Glenda Jackson in comeback role

Acclaimed British actress Glenda Jackson, 83, is to return to the screen for the first time in 27 years.

The two-time Academy Award winner will star in a BBC telemovie based on the the best-selling novel Elizabeth Is Missing by Andrea Gibb (Swallows And Amazons).

Elizabeth Is Missing combines a gripping mystery with a tender yet unflinching exploration of one woman’s struggle with dementia. When her best friend Elizabeth goes missing, Maud is convinced that something terrible has happened, and sets out to solve the mystery. But with her dementia worsening, unfinished business unearthed and the past and present starting to merge, Maud’s search takes on a poignant urgency. Will Maud be able to discover the truth before she loses herself completely?

Jackson, best known for titles such as Women In Love, A Touch of Class, Sunday Bloody Sunday and Elizabeth R will star as Maud. Her last screen credit in 1992 was for telemovie The Secret Life of Arnold Bax.

Glenda Jackson says: “Emma’s novel and Andrea’s screenplay paint the most striking portrait of a woman in the grip of a devastating condition. I am delighted to be making my return to television to play Maud, a character it’s impossible not to be charmed and moved by.”

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, says: “We are thrilled that Glenda Jackson is returning to the BBC and will be at the heart of this inspiring and extraordinary tale. Andrea Gibb’s brilliantly crafted script and adaptation of Elizabeth Is Missing explores important themes told through emotion, warmth and humour.”

Filming starts shortly in Scotland.

An Australian broadcaster is yet to be confirmed.