‘We have Prince Albert to thank for a lot...’

Blackpool-born Jenna Coleman, 31, who plays the young queen, lives in London and is dating Tom Hughes, also 31, her handsome on-screen husband.

The Christmas special is all about family – what does this mean to Victoria?

Family is her foundation – a safe haven. As Victoria and Albert had dysfunctional upbringings, it makes a lot of sense in understanding the importance they place on family.

Victoria takes in an orphan, Sarah, in the episode. What are her reasons for doing this?

I think Victoria’s interest in Sarah is twofold. She is a princess from another world, and Victoria has always been curious about other cultures and traditions. I think Victoria can see something of herself in Sarah. By trying to help Sarah, Victoria eases the wounds of her own childhood.

Do you have a favourite scene from the Christmas special?

The children coming in to open their presents on Christmas Eve, mainly because they were so excited. The set really felt inhabited in those familial scenes, and you begin to feel like you’re in a home, not a palace. I think the snow and ice skating scenes are very special, too.

The Victorians helped shape our current Christmas, were you aware of this?

No, I wasn’t. But it’s fascinating to see Christmas becoming Christmas as we now know it in this episode. I love Victoria’s line about not expecting a forest at Christmas. It seems we have Prince Albert to thank for an awful lot that has shaped our world today.

What did you enjoy most about filming the special?

The ice skating day. Victorians on ice is quite a beautiful and particular sight. Also, snow machines are fun. I love to see the family forming, it seems to inhabit the hollow walls of the set and feel like a home.

The sets are stunning. Are you a fan of snow and ice, or did you prefer the roaring fires and trees?

I love to be warm, so roaring fires and trees for me. Or a combination!

What is your favourite Christmas tradition?

Drinking Baileys while wrapping presents in front of an open fire on Christmas Eve.

The two-hour Victoria Christmas special is on ITV at 9pm on 25 December