Anna Chancellor (Miss Bingley) is actually related to Jane Austen. Chancellor is a direct descendant of Austen's elder brother, Edward.
The most famous moment of the series, the lake scene, was not part of Austen's novel. Andrew Davies wrote the scene not because he wanted a sexual connection between Elizabeth and Darcy but to create "an amusing moment in which Darcy tries to maintain his dignity while improperly dressed and sopping wet."
Casting the role of Darcy's young sister, Georgiana, proved hard as the producers were looking for a young actress who appeared innocent, proud and yet shy, had class and could also play the piano. After auditioning over 70 actresses, Simon Langton suggested Emilia Fox, the real-life daughter of Joanna David (Mrs Gardiner), for the part.
A scene showing Firth in a wet shirt was recognised as one of the most unforgettable moments in British TV history.