All you need to know about ITV’S lavish new drama, Victoria
Jenna Coleman takes on Britain’s most iconic royal in ITV’S lavish new period drama
Ever since the BBC’S epic adaptation of War & Peace came to an end, we’ve been experiencing major period drama withdrawal symptoms. So, we’re very excited about our Sunday nights being taken over by ITV’S fantastic new costume drama, which sees Doctor Who’s Jenna Coleman swapping the TARDIS for the altogether roomier environs of Buckingham Palace.
As one of the most important monarchs in British history, Queen Victoria is no stranger to being immortalised on the big screen – Dame Judi Dench gave a brilliantly po-faced performance as the aged, bereaved queen opposite Billy Connolly in 1997’s Mrs Brown, while Emily Blunt added a touch of glamour in The Young Victoria in 2009.
Now this rich, eight-part historical affair – written by novelist Daisy Goodwin and based on Queen Vic’s own diaries – follows the young sovereign as she is crowned Queen of England and falls hopelessly in love with her German cousin, Albert. Here’s why you should tune in...
QUEEN OF SASS
Way before Taylor Swift and her squad were flying the feminist flag, 18-year-old Vic was the embodiment of a feisty, independent woman. In the 90-minute opening episode, Coleman’s young Victoria finds herself thrust into a hostile, maledominated royal court, but steadfastly refuses to be intimidated by her male subjects or defeated by her detractors. “If I need advice, I will ask for it,” she snaps at Sir John Conroy (Paul Rhys from The Assets), her mother’s trusted adviser, who systematically tries to undermine her. Preach.
SCANDAL CENTRAL
While we all know of her love for husband Prince Albert, the show also explores her emotionally complex relationship with Prime Minister Lord Melbourne – who she affectionately calls “Lord M”, and who’s played by chisel-cheeked Rufus Sewell (The Man
In The High Castle). After an initially bumpy introduction, the charismatic PM soon charms the inexperienced queen and becomes the only man she will listen to. With lingering glances, romantic horse rides and a palpable chemistry between the pair, a scandal erupts that threatens to destabilise the government.
DOMESTIC DRAMA
Not all of the action revolves around the ruler and her men – as in Downton Abbey, a lot of the drama takes place ‘downstairs’. Most of it
involves the queen’s dresser Mrs Jenkins (played by Eve Myles) and curmudgeonly head steward Penge (Adrian Schiller), who set themselves against newly appointed head of the royal household, Baroness Lehzen (Daniela Holtz), with her Germanic ways. Cue petty crime, bullying and a healthy dose of bitching and backstabbing.
FABULOUS COSTUMES
No expense has been spared on the production, with every costume accurately reflecting the fashions of the day. Jenna models a number of beautiful evening dresses during her courtship with Albert, and her wedding dress is based on Queen Vic’s original gown, which is still on display at Kensington Palace.
EPIC LOVE STORY
At the centre of this story is the enduring love between Victoria and Prince Albert, played by the handsome Tom Hughes (The Game). The course of true love doesn’t run smooth: strong-willed Vic initially resists her first cousin, purely because her family encourages the union , and proud Albert must find his place below his Queen. But ultimately love conquers all, and the besotted couple marry and go on to have nine children together.