Dame Julie Andrews is returning to narrate a second season of Noiser's "Jane Austen Stories" podcast, this time reading the author's 1815 novel "Emma" in full, unabridged form. The series, which begins release on 25 August, follows Andrews's earlier narration of "Pride and Prejudice" for the U.K. podcast network, part of a wider strand that has already drawn millions of listeners, including a companion "Sherlock Holmes Short Stories" series read by Hugh Bonneville.

"Emma" will be released as 27 serialised instalments, accompanied by original cinematic music and immersive sound design, staying faithful to Austen's original text throughout. The announcement comes amid a broader resurgence of interest in Austen adaptations, with a "Sense and Sensibility" film starring Daisy Edgar-Jones due in cinemas on 25 September and a Netflix "Pride and Prejudice" series featuring Emma Corrin and Olivia Colman also expected later this year.