Yahoo News Sanditon sex scene shocks Jane Austen fans as ITV adaptation premieres
Jane Austen fans got more than they bargained for with the premiere of ITV's Sanditon adaptation: a steamy sex scene.
The eight-part series, based on Austen's unfinished novel and adapted for the screen by Andrew Davies among others, premiered on Sunday night (August 25) to mixed reactions.
But, while Austen's novel is famous for being unfinished, someone certainly get a happy ending during the premiere, as Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) stumbled upon Sir Edward Denham (Jack Fox) being pleasured by Clara Brereton (Lily Sacofsky).
And viewers were surprised to say the least!
Related: Sanditon screenwriter discusses the importance of Jane Austen's first black character
The sex act followed a scene in which three men could be seen running naked into the sea — but, for an Austen adaptation, it was the racy moment that truly took fans of her previous works by surprise.
"Didn't look too shy to me, first bottoms now sex in the woods this isn't Austen as we know it," said one viewer.
"Ah yes, this is where we get the handjob," said another. "Not your classic Austen adaptation then."
"Not sure how I previously missed the handjobs in Jane Austen’s novels," added another.
Below are a few more of their reactions:
Is that what I think it is, a hookup??!?!!? #Sanditon
— Kitty Despard's Seamstress (@amandarprescott) August 25, 2019
Mama Kitchen: “ah yes, this is where we get the handjob” not your classic Austen adaptation then 😳 #Sanditon
— Rowan (@RowanKitchen) August 25, 2019
Is this the 'Jane Austen' adaptation with the hand job? #sanditon
— Sarah (@sbl1976) August 25, 2019
Not sure how I previously missed the handjobs in Jane Austen’s novels 😂#Sanditon
— spericki (@spericki) August 25, 2019
Didn't look too shy to me, first bottoms now sex in the woods this isn't Austen as we know it #Sanditon
— GentlemanJack🎩 (@GentlemanJackAL) August 25, 2019
#Sanditon
I've lost interest, in spite of the al fresco wanking.— G.Ray. VC🎖(Verminous Collaborator) 🔶🇪🇺🐀 (@boxerprimed) August 25, 2019
Related: Sanditon cast respond to critics of the drama's racier scenes
The cast of Sanditon has previously responded to criticism of the drama's racier scenes.
Screenwriter Andrew Davies has also discussed the importance of featuring Jane Austen's first black character in the series.
Sanditon begins this Sunday (August 25) on ITV at 9pm.
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