177th anniversary of Emily Jane Brontë's death

Today marks the 177th anniversary of the death of Emily Brontë and it always strikes us what a dark day--in all senses of the word but literally one of the shortest days of the year--it must have been for the remaining members of the Brontë family and their servants. Charlotte said that Emily had turned 'her dying eyes reluctantly from the pleasant sun'.

To prove that 177 years after the death of its author her novel is alive and kicking, Deadline announces a new Audible project:

Audible is delving into the backstory of literature’s most infamous romantic anti-hero in audio drama Heathcliff, with Daryl McCormack in the title role.

The star (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande) has just wrapped filming on Dolly Alderton’s Pride & Prejudice, and Heathcliff will bow on Audible next February. The team behind it promised a “feverish re-imagining of literature’s most infamous romantic villain .”

The Emily Brontë classic Wuthering Heights is the inspiration for the drama, which is penned by Gracie Oddie-James. She is also in the cast, alongside Arinzé Kene (The Pass), Charlie Rowe (Slow Horses), Sagar Radia (Industry), Raffey Cassidy (The Brutalist) and Tanya Moodie (Silo).

The Heathcliff audio production will depict how the man generations of readers know from the novel came to be. Per the synopsis: Before his descent into revenge, there were three missing years; a time of possibility, freedom and a different kind of love.

“This original story follows him on his missing years and his journey of self-discovery and internal redemption, which I think will allow the listener to have compassion for him despite his flaws,” McCormack said. “He truly is the epitome of an anti-hero, and in our Heathcliff, I think your heart may break for him.” [...]

“We know that Audible listeners around the world love classic literature and ‘Wuthering Heights’ needs no introduction,” Aurelie de Troyer, Head of Regional Content Europe, Audible. “Heathcliff is such an iconic character and by exploring his roots, and those three missing years, we’re excited to give listeners a different perspective on his story.” (Stewart Clarke)

A contributor to Indian Express lists the '5 books I’m re-reading before their screen adaptations drop in 2026' including

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

One has to be living under the rock to have missed the trailer for the new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi was released earlier this year. Its steamy trailer caused quite the controversy with litterateurs criticising Elordi’s casting as Heathcliff, who has been described as a “dark-skinned gypsy” in the novels. The actors are significantly older than the characters, and the trailer romanticises the story through erotic imagery. The film, slated to be released across theatres on February 13, right in time for Valentine’s Day is one of the most anticipated films of the year. I have already re-read the novel, and look forward to see Robbie’s version of this classic come to life on screen. (Aishwarya Khosla)

At the very end of Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture, The Telegraph and Argus looks back on some of the highlights.

After kicking off the year with the magic-packed RISE in City Park, Bradford 2025 is now preparing for its final act at Myrtle Park.

But the months in between that start and end point have seen a rainbow foam party, aerial dancers performing near Shipley Clocktower, unique exhibitions, and so much more.

It’s been the year when sculptures appeared on the moors that inspired Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, film screenings at Ilkley Lido and Thornton Viaduct, and the ultimate crossover - Bassline and classical - took place at the historic St George’s Hall. (Natasha Meek)

On day five of its Twelve Days of Brontë Christmas series, AnneBrontë.org examines some Brontë rings.