The series was released in 2009 and the acting duo at the heart of the story met on set and went on to get married in real life, and it is now streaming on ITVX08:42, 26 May 2026Fans of period dramas are spoilt for choice this year with many cherished literary adaptations gracing screens, yet one particular TV series appears to have escaped widespread attention.‌While Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi commanded audiences in Emerald Fennell's interpretation of Wuthering Heights, many devotees have overlooked earlier versions of the classic tale.‌This 2009 two-part production demands viewing, featuring British sensation Tom Hardy as the brooding Heathcliff opposite Charlotte Riley's Cathy. Remarkably, the duo's romance blossomed during filming, leading to marriage which endures today.‌Their genuine relationship translates into palpable on-screen magnetism, elevating the tragic and enduring romantic narrative to extraordinary heights.Divided into two 90-minute episodes, the drama originally captivated audiences during its eagerly awaited broadcast. Now accessible via streaming platforms, period piece aficionados are finally discovering this hidden treasure.‌Audiences have been quick to acknowledge the pair's electric dynamic, with one Rotten Tomatoes reviewer observing: "Tom Hardy is such a gifted actor. His performance is utterly beautiful in this film. He and his real-life wife, Charlotte Riley, have such great chemistry."They added: "Technically, this is considered a two-episode miniseries, but I consider it a film."Another review says: "Excellent actors in this two-part British ITV television series adaptation of the novel Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Intense performances from Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley about passion, obsession, and revenge."‌Drawing from the iconic novel, the 2009 adaptation chronicles the turbulent romance between Cathy and Heathcliff - a tale steeped in obsession, hatred and vengeance. Their toxic bond proves so devastating it wreaks havoc on everyone around them while destroying their own lives.The cast also features Sarah Lancaster, the British actress celebrated for her Happy Valley role, alongside Andrew Lincoln, who portrays one of the story's antagonists.‌For devoted Brontë enthusiasts, the tale holds sacred status, with many gravitating towards adaptations that remain faithful to her original masterpiece. One admirer notes: "By far the best adaptation I have seen. Not perfect but a mostly faithful retelling."Another praised: "An absolute masterpiece! They did a remarkable job on the adaptation of Emily Bronte's novel! Tom Hardy, as always, is just fantastic! Beautiful locations, too!"Principal filming occurred at Oakwell Hall, a Yorkshire manor house, honouring the novel's authentic Yorkshire heritage.Article continues belowThe outdoor landscape plays a vital role in the narrative, and witnessing the Yorkshire countryside on screen truly brings the written word to vivid life.The 2009 production of Wuthering Heights, featuring real-life husband and wife Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley, can currently be streamed on both Amazon Prime and ITVX.