Mark Gatiss Brings E. Nesbit's Chilling Tale To Life For BBC's 'A Ghost Story For Christmas'

This Christmas Eve, Mark Gatiss returns with a new instalment of the BBC's beloved 'A Ghost Story for Christmas' series. Titled 'Woman of Stone', the adaptation will air on BBC Two at 10:15pm and be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

The drama is based on E. Nesbit's unsettling short story 'Man-Size in Marble', first published in 1887. Although Nesbit is best known for her children's literature, this gothic tale reveals her talent for crafting narratives steeped in suspense and the supernatural.

The plot unfolds through the eyes of Edith Nesbit herself, portrayed by Celia Imrie ('The Thursday Murder Club'), as she reflects on the chilling events surrounding a young Victorian couple, Jack and Laura Lorimer.

Jack (played by Éanna Hardwicke, 'The Sixth Commandment') and Laura (Phoebe Horn, 'The Motive and the Cue') begin their married life in a quaint village cottage. Their idyllic surroundings, however, are soon overshadowed by warnings from their housekeeper, Mrs Dorman (Monica Dolan, 'Sherwood'). She recounts the village legend of two marble knights entombed in the church who are said to rise on Christmas Eve.

Jack dismisses the tale as superstitious nonsense. Yet, as the fateful night approaches, an inexplicable compulsion draws him to the church, leaving Laura alone to face the unfolding terror.

In addition to Imrie, Hardwicke, Horn, and Dolan, the production features Mawaan Rizwan ('Juice') as Dr Zubin. Written and directed by Mark Gatiss, the adaptation is part of his ongoing efforts to revive and reinterpret ghostly tales for modern audiences. Gatiss, a long-time admirer of the Victorian ghost story tradition, has previously adapted works by M.R. James, whose stories defined the original series in the 1970s.

The BBC's 'A Ghost Story for Christmas' series has been a highlight of festive television since its inception in the 1970s. Gatiss's revival has preserved this unique tradition, introducing a new generation to eerie tales that contrast sharply with the season's usual cheer. His decision to adapt 'Man-Size in Marble' expands the series' focus beyond the works of M.R. James, celebrating other Victorian masters of the genre.

With its strong cast, atmospheric setting, and faithful adaptation of Nesbit's original tale, 'Woman of Stone' promises to be a compelling addition to the series. As the clock strikes 10:15pm this Christmas Eve, audiences can immerse themselves in an hour of suspense and haunting storytelling.

'Woman of Stone' airs on BBC Two on 24 December at 10.15pm and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.