BBC lands the rights for Harlots

C has landed the rights to \'Harlots\'.

The period drama - which originally aired on Hulu in the US, with the first two seasons being broadcast on ITV Encore - stars Lesley Manville, Liv Tyler, Jessica Brown Findlay and Samantha Morton, and focuses on the latter\'s character, Margaret Wells, who balances her family life with running a brothel.

The BBC said: "When her business comes under attack from Lydia Quigley (Manville), a rival madam with a ruthless streak, Margaret must fight back, even if it means putting her family at risk.

"Brown Findlay stars as Charlotte, Margaret\'s eldest daughter and the city\'s most coveted courtesan, who begins to grapple with her position in both society and her immediate family."

Sue Deeks, the BBC\'s head of programme acquisition, said: "Aided by a truly magnificent cast, \'Harlots\' brings 18th century London to life with enormous style, wit, intelligence and humour.

"BBC viewers will become immersed in the gripping lives of business women Margaret Wells and Lydia Quigley as they make their way in London\'s grimy, decadent world."

The show - which was cancelled after three seasons on Hulu - was penned by \'Jane Eyre\' writer Moira Buffini.

Each series is made up of eight 50-minute episodes, and the BBC has confirmed the first two seasons will air back-to-back on BBC Two later this year.

The broadcaster has also announced that the final series - which introduces Liv Tyler to the cast - will air "at a later date".