ITV to take on Wolf Hall with stunning new Tudor period drama about Elizabeth I
ITV is set to air a captivating new retelling of Tudor history, directed by a multi-BAFTA award-winning filmmaker.
ITV dives into Tudor history with a new period drama from ex-Grey’s Anatomy bosses Joan Rater, Tony Phelan, and William Harper.
Titled Majesty, the new period drama depicts the life of a young Elizabeth I and her place in the court of King Henry VIII.
It will not be an accurate retelling of the famed queen’s life like a documentary.
The series is described as “a bold, intriguing reimagining of her life based upon conspiracy theories which surrounded her as a youth”.
Was the Virgin Queen hiding a profound secret?
And how did this overlooked, embattled princess become the most powerful ruler England has ever known?
Promising intrigue, betrayal, and power struggles, the series will bring fresh perspective to one of history’s most dramatic dynasties, blending rich storytelling with stunning visuals.
Fans of period dramas can look forward to a thrilling exploration of the Tudors’ complex legacy.
The six-part series will commence filming in 2025.
There are no details about the cast as it is yet to be revealed.
And will be directed by Multi-BAFTA award-winning James Strong, whose other works include Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
James said: “I could not be more thrilled to be bringing this audacious and original show to the screen.
“The brilliant scripts are a directors’ dream as we get to reimagine and recreate an iconic piece of English history and tell a period story that looks stunning but also feels modern and relevant to today’s viewer.”
Meanwhile, creators Harper, Rater and Phelan added: “Majesty is an emotional, funny, and contemporary-feeling alternate history about how three outsiders try to stay alive while hiding a secret that, if discovered, would rock England to its foundations.
“Majesty allows us to have fun with history while illuminating who we are now.
Crime dramas on ITVX
Crime drama buffs have a wide selection of choices on ITVX - here is a selection of some of the programmes available to binge.
- Professor T: Based on a Belgian TV series of the same name, former Death in Paradise lead Ben Miller plays the title character. Professor Jasper Tempest is a criminologist with OCD who helps the police solve crimes. The cast also includes Emma Naomi, Barney White and Andy Gathergood.
- The Beast Must Die: This series follows a mother’s grief for her son, who was killed in an accident. Nicholas Blake’s novel of the same name has been adapted for the programme. Stars include Cush Jumbo, Jared Harris, Billy Howle and Geraldine James.
- Red Eye: Starring Richard Armitage, Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp star in this six-part thriller, which mostly takes place during an all-night flight between London and Beijing. With dead bodies piling up and a mystery to unravel, the heroes must work fast to get to the truth.
- The Twelve: This Australian drama originally aired as a miniseries in 2022, with the episodes dropping in the UK in February 2023. Four months later, the show was renewed for a second season. Jurassic Park star Sam Neill stars in the leading role of barrister Brett Colby.
- Manhunt: Martin Clunes stars in this drama based on true murder investigations. Series one focused on the death of Amélie Delagrange, which took place in 2004, while the second depicted the search for serial rapist Delroy Grant.
“This show is pure wish-fulfilment of how people devoted to the public good suddenly find themselves in a position to make a difference.”
ITV Director of Drama, Polly Hill, shared: “I’m delighted to be announcing Majesty and to be working with James and his team on such an intriguing and thought-provoking story.”
“Majesty is a perfect illustration of the range of drama that we want to see on ITV as we continue to strive to make the best and most ambitious mainstream drama for our UK audiences.”
Majesty will be released on ITV1 and STV and streaming on ITVX and STV Player.