What’s in store for the young monarch in the second series of ITV’s royal hit
The second series of lavish period drama Victoria is once again set to be sparkling jewel in ITV’s autumn crown. Here TV Times reveals what’s in store when the sumptuous saga returns…
1. The returning cast…
Jenna Coleman is, of course, back as the young monarch with Tom Hughes reprising his role as her husband Prince Albert. Also returning are Nigel Lindsay (Sir Robert Peel), Alex Jennings (King Leopold), Peter Bowles (Duke of Wellington), David Oakes (Prince Ernest), Daniela Holtz (Baroness Lehzen) and Catherine Flemming (the Duchess of Kent).
Meanwhile, back below stairs are Nell Hudson (Skerrett) Ferdinand Kingsley (chef Francatelli) and Adrian Schiller (Penge). Victoria’s also reunited with her beloved white horse Almonzo.
2. Exciting new characters…
Legendary actress Dame Diana Rigg joins the regular cast list as the outspoken Duchess of Bucchleuch, Victoria’s new Mistress of the Robes.
3. High-profile guest stars…
New Tricks star Denis Lawson will play the Duke of Atholl, who welcomes Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to the Highlands. Line of Duty favourite Martin Compston is Dr Robert Traill, who campaigned vigorously for those affected by the Irish potato famine. Call the Midwife star Emerald Fennell (who played Nurse Patsy Mount) takes on the role of Lady Ada Lovelace. Theatre star Jo Stone-Fewings will be father of the computer Charles Babbage, while acclaimed French actor Bruno Wolkowitch is King Louis Philippe.
4. Plot details….
After the gripping series one finale last October, which saw Victoria give birth to the couple’s first child, the action picks up six weeks on and finds the Queen learning to juggle her royal duties with being a mum. However Prince Albert is still struggling to find his role and an inevitable power struggle plays out between the couple.
"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," said creator Daisy Goodwin.
"Victoria’s 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?"
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5. New locations….
As well as much drama in Buckingham Palace, there will be trips to France and Germany and the series will also touch on tragedy in Ireland and war in Afghanistan, and see Victoria and Albert discovering sanctuary on the Isle of Wight.
6. A festive treat
After the eight-part series will follow a two-hour Christmas special! Victoria will most likely return to ITV in early September.
