VICTORIA, Starring Jenna Coleman, Returns to ITV Choice

Following critical acclaim and record ratings, this autumn sees the return of ITV's hugely popular historical drama, Victoria, produced by Mammoth Screen.

Once again written by creator and executive producer, Daisy Goodwin, the brand new eight-part season will see Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes reprise their roles as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, as they face new challenges 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 dutiful Queen.

The series will also see some new faces arrive at the palace, with iconic BAFTA award-winning actress Dame Diana Rigg joining the regular cast as the Duchess of Buccleuch, the young Queen's new Mistress of the Robes, and guest appearances from fellow leading actors including Emerald Fennell (Call The Midwife, Any Human Heart), Martin Compston (Line Of Duty, In Plain Sight), Bruno Wolkowitch (Spin, Cain) and Denis Lawson (New Tricks, Marchlands).

Creator, Daisy Goodwin said: "In series one Victoria married the handsome prince, but in this series she and Albert get down to the serious business of living happily, sometimes stormily, ever after. Victoria is the only Queen Regnant to marry and give birth while on the throne and the challenges of being head of state as well as a wife and mother are legion. In many ways Victoria's dilemma is a modern one - how do you have a successful marriage and a happy family when you are holding down an important job. Can you really have it all?"

Executive Producer and Managing Director of Mammoth Screen, Damien Timmer added: "Series one of Victoria was a big success both at home and abroad, and it is a privilege to continue to tell the story of this fascinating woman at a particularly interesting point in her reign. Audiences will be intrigued by the meticulously researched stories Daisy has planned, brimming with scandal, romance and tragedy. At the centre of it is a beautifully nuanced study of a young marriage, and it's a joy to watch Jenna and Tom find new layers to this iconic couple."

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