Regal drama returns
VICTORIA ITV, Sunday, 9.05pm
FOLLOWING critical acclaim and record ratings in both the UK and America, this summer sees the return of the hugely popular drama, Victoria.
The brand new eight-part season will see Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who, Me Before You) and Tom Hughes (Paula, The Game) reprise their roles as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, as they face new challenges head on both at home and abroad.
Resuming one month after the first series ended, the new season establishes Victoria as a working mother, learning to balance her responsibilities as both parent and Queen.
However, Prince Albert is still struggling to find a role for himself alongside his powerful wife as she returns to her duties, intent on proving that she can be both a mother and dedicated Queen.
Tonight’s opening episode sees Queen Victoria surprise the court when she insists on returning to her duties as soon as possible.
Having taken charge in her absence, adoring new father Albert decides not to trouble his wife with worrying news regarding the British soldiers in Afghanistan.
However, as the reports worsen, Victoria grows increasingly suspicious that he and Prime Minister Robert Peel are hiding something from her.
Determined to reclaim her place with characteristic impulsiveness, Victoria brings in the formidable Duchess of Buccleuch as her new Mistress of the Robes and demands that former chef, Francatelli, return to the palace kitchens.
Meanwhile, Albert’s family descend on the palace for the Christening of baby Vicky and their dynastic plotting only intensifies Victoria’s sense of frustration.
Convinced that the truth is being kept from her, Victoria seeks answers from the Duke of Wellington.