Period drama lovers can’t afford to miss out on a long-forgotten period drama that has been hailed as “one of the best”.

The four-part series from Pride and Prejudice screenwriter Andrew Davies came out in 1996 and left audiences swooning after featuring some very steamy scenes.

Moreover, the programme boasted an all-star cast including actors from James Bond, Doctor Who and Game of Thrones.

Many people have praised the costume drama on IMDb as one person said: “One of the best I've seen.”

While a second gave it a 10/10 review and described it as the “archetypal bodice ripper” and explained: “It is a well constructed, well acted, well directed period drama of the type the British TV Industry does so well.”

They added: “All in all my words cannot really do it justice, if you get the opportunity to see it then please do. It is really well worth it.”

A third reviewer posted a five-star review on Rotten Tomatoes and commented: “Great adaptation.. I've seen other films based on this story but this shines above the rest!”

The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders was adapted from Daniel Defoe’s 1722 novel Moll Flanders, following the life of the title character (played by Alex Kingston) as she climbed the greasy pole of English society. 

The show featured many racy scenes as Moll used her sexuality to raise her social standing and attain financial security. 

There were plenty of twists and turns along with the way, with the story moving back and forth between 18th century England and the Colonies in the New World.

Along with Kingston, best known for her role as River Song in Doctor Who, the costume drama also featured a pre-James Bond Daniel Craig in the role of her love interest Jemmy.

Other cast members included Game of Thrones’ Dame Diana Rigg, The Split’s Nicola Walker, The Bill’s James Bowers, Trevyn McDowell of Frankenstein fame, The Long Good Friday’s Patti Love, and Dalziel and Pascoe’s Colin Buchanan, among others. 

The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders saw both Kingston and Craig garner praise for their respective roles in the drama.

One person wrote on IMDb: “Alex Kingston is great in the part of this young woman who struggles to be a wealthy gentlelady, even if it requires surrendering her virtue in any way. It's a wonderful movie and I strongly recommend it.”

A second posted: “Alex Kingston (now on "ER") delves into this role with a ferocity we rarely see on the screen. Although Moll does many bad things, we root for her the whole way.”

As a third commended the show: “I love this movie, it's excellent. I give it a 10. Alex Kingston is great. Sexy and funny. Her best performance.” 

The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders is streaming on Apple TV+ now