Belgium plays star role in BBC miniseries Les Misérables starting 30 December

Don’t miss the first episode of the six-part non-musical version of Les Misérables, which begins on BBC One on Sunday evening at 22.00.

The lavish adaptation is full of some surprising and beautiful locations. Keep your eyes peeled for familiar sights as the series was largely shot on several locations in Brussels and other cities in Belgium.

The capital enjoys several cameos, including Rue de Peuplier, the church of Saint John the Baptist at the Beguinage and the Sablon, as well as the distinctive Cinquantenaire arch.

Other locations were Namur, Huy, Enghien and Limburg province, with some scenes also shot in northern France. Filming took place between February and July 2018.

Directed by Tom Shankland, the French classic has been adapted by award-winning screenwriter Andrew Davies and stars British actors Dominic West, David Oyelowo, Lily Collins and Olivia Coleman.

Victor Hugo’s historical novel is about love, injustice, redemption and hope in war-torn France following the battle of Waterloo.

Photo: Lily Collins as Fantine in Les Misérables © Robert Viglasky/BBC