Set in New Zealand during the 1860s, the series follows British adventurer Ana Wetherell (Eve Hewson) who falls in love with fortune hunter Emery Staines (Himesh Patel), and is plunged into a world of tragedy, mystery and revenge.

The couple must overcome numerous barriers put in their way, particularly from the spiteful Lydia Wells (Eva Green) and rich boy Francis Carver (Marton Csokas).

Also joining the cast is Erik Thomson (The Code), Benedict Hardie (Hacksaw Ridge), Yoson An (Mortal Engines) and newcomer Richard Te Are.

Adapted by Eleanor Catton from her award-winning novel of the same name, the six-part series is produced by Working Title Television and Southern Light Films.

“I’ve had tremendous fun adapting this novel for the screen,” said Catton on the new series.

“Writing a novel is a solitary business, but writing for the screen is emphatically collaborative, and to see the world of The Luminaries enlarged and enriched in ways that go far beyond the scope of my own imagination has been a humbling and hugely exhilarating experience.”

Filming for the BBC Two drama has begun in New Zealand.