Diana

Diana was a hugely important series to me. I went on holiday to Cornwall when I was ten and the BBC were staying in our hotel while in the area filming the location scenes for the production. I recognised the wonderful Mary Morris and Patsy Kensit, who at that time was chiefly known for the Bird's Eye peas commercial.

When the show finally aired in January 1984 I watched it purely out of curiousity. This was the first love story I ever saw and over ten weeks I was completely gripped. Patsy Kensit was unimaginably beautiful and those first two episodes evoked such an innocent boundless childhood adventure.

When episode three recast the two leads and Kevin McNally and Jenny Seagrove took on the roles I was initially disappointed, since I found the characters less likeable. But the story became even more gripping as war comes to characters and eventually destroys their love in a totally unexpected way. Kevin McNally is splendid as Jan; subtly he allows Jan to have a working class neurosis that occasionally has physical symptoms. As a young adult he insists on changing from the rather mild mannered humble youth he was, but whenever Diana or her powerful family lay down the law his confidence is shattered and he has a memorable look of trembling fear.

The magnificent theme music is strangely gloomy, a beautiful child like melody which really captures the hopelessness at the centre of the drama.

Andrew Davies' adaptation typically takes average material and gives it a contemporary relevance. A truly beautiful piece of television with a gallery of marvellous actors in supporting roles which is long overdue for recognition.

I remember watching this years ago as a youngteen & being blown away by the romance of the story - I became a big fan of Patsy Kensit because of this programme - Years later I am trying to get hold of a copy of this, I've already bought the book, can any one help? - I've tried the BBC & all other sources I can think of. This is a mini series that needs repeating & if you haven't seen it - buy the book it's excellent. 7/7/05 - Thanks to all those people who contacted me to say how much they too enjoyed this - the rights to the mini series were sold so unfortunately it won't be repeated on British TV, this is a shame. I did manage to watch it again about a year ago & it still stands strong & had lost non of its magic. I still say go out & buy the book & your imagination can fill in the pictures!

I have also been searching for this Drama to be available for many years. I saw the original and only airing of Diana in the 1980's and eagerly awaited the repeats several years later. Unfortunately the repeats have never seemed to come. I was 15 when i saw the original and our family did not own a Video recorder at the time, so I had no chance of recording it. Surely someone knows where the dusty film reels are in the BBC and I feel that a re-airing of this drama, now that Jenny Seagrove has become more famous in Judge John Deed, would offer this masterpiece to a new audience. I would willingly pay to own the series on tape or DVD, but alas this seems impossible. The love story is excellent, watchable many times over and a great favourite of mine. I own the book and have read it over and over, but still long to re-watch the brilliant BBC Drama again.

I so loved the movie Diana... I saw it as a teenager. I have always been a romantic at heart and this movie captivated and inspired me. Over the years since I saw it I have dreamed of seeing it again...and when ever I see Jenny Seagrove or Kevin McNally I instantly go back to 1984 when I saw the first episode. I think I subconsciously measure all movies I see against Diana, it had a real impact on me. I wish I could see it again.. The first few episodes got deep into my soul and moved me more than words can describe. If anyone knows where I can purchase the movie please let me know by submitting comments as I have here. I guess I am a soppy romantic and if my friends ever read this I won't hear the end of it..but I don't care...

I have been longing to obtain a copy of this series 'Diana' in video for years, ever since I first saw it on BBC TV and loved it SO Much. Please can someone help me to get hold of a copy. I would go to the ends of the earth to find it. Since watching it and loving it so much I have read and re read the book many times. Jenny Seagrove was wonderful as Diana, and Kevin McNally- well- his portrayal of Jan left me weeping buckets.

The descriptions of Devon were so exactly as I found it when visiting that area, and the portrayed role of the Special Operations in France made me so grateful to be British. The character of Jan was so well portrayed as being the character in 'Lorna Doone' and Lorna's Jan Ridd really came to life as the young man who fell in love on that October day when in his teens, he knew there would never be another girl for him. Wonderfully acted and superbly portrayed. The most wonderful moving story I have ever watched on TV (and there have been many) If someone reads this and can help me to get a copy I will love them forever!! Gillian Humphries.