It's almost time for the new must-watch BBC documentary series, Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius. "I shall be eternally grateful to Jane Austen because I stole her plot for Bridget Jones’ Diary and learned most of what I know about writing by trying to imitate her. Her voice is so strong, and funny, and perceptive." - Helen Fielding "Jane Austen did what she wanted to do. She has shown me that through her characters and her way of living. She makes me feel like I can always do what I want to do." -

A first look at Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius, coming soon to iPlayer In this extract, Helen Fielding and Greta Scacchi give their insights into how Jane's personal heartbreak inspired Pride and Prejudice. BBC Arts is marking the 250th birthday of the great novelist with this major series drawing on the surviving letters, alongside insights from experts, contemporary novelists, and actors. Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius is a three-part series by 72 Films that shows ‘the real Jane Austen’ and how