If, like us, you’re a huge fan of Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice, chances are that when you think of the brooding, handsome and rich Mr Darcy, an image of Colin Firth springs to mind. If you’d like to keep that mental picture, we suggest you stop reading now. A recent, supposedly more accurate portrait of Mr Darcy has surfaced, and it might be enough to turn you off him forever.

A panel of academics studying contemporary fashion and social history in the 19th century, have come up with a “realistic” depiction of the dashing bachelor, and we have to say, it leaves a little to be desired.

In the book, Austin describes a “fine, tall person” with “handsome features” and an air of nobility. In 1995, casting directors for the BBC’s adaptation of the book interpreted this description as “tall, dark and handsome”, giving the role to the ruggedly charming Firth.

However, the “real” Darcy is likely to have been almost the polar opposite of the actors that come to mind, as you can see in the video above. He would have likely had mid-length, curled and powdered hair, stood around 5 foot 11 inches, and had pale, smooth, unmarked skin – the mark of a man untouched by the perils of battle, unlike George Wickham, for example.

“Our Mr Darcy portrayal reflects the male physique and common features at the time,” said Amanda Vickery, professor of early modern history at Queen Mary University of London and one of the academics behind the portrait. “Men sported powdered hair, had narrow jaws and muscular, defined legs were considered very attractive.”

The result?

Certainly no Colin Firth! Tell us in the comments below, what do you think about this so-called “real” Mr Darcy?