ITV hopes Vic has long reign

Bosses are crossing their fingers new ITV drama Victoria will run for several series like Downton Abbey.

Writer Daisy Goodwin must share their optimism as she already has plans for a second instalment on the life of Britain’s long-lived monarch.

Lead actress Jenna Coleman is naturally cautious but told Square Eyes: “It absolutely depends on the appetite but they have nine children and by the end of series one we get to the first baby.

“We have not reached the Great Exhibition yet, there is so much that goes on historically, politically and in their personal lives.

“There were seven assignation attempts on Victoria I think too, so there is so much to cover. I have loved exploring her and she gets more delicious to play as she gets more settled in herself. It is something I’d love to explore more.”

It goes head-tohead with Poldark from this Sunday so time

will tell...