Laurence Fox and Kate Fleetwood join Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes for the third series of smash-hit historical drama.
Produced by leading drama indie Mammoth Screen , and created by writer and producer Daisy Goodwin, the brand new series sees critically-acclaimed actress Jenna Coleman reprise her role as the young Queen, alongside Tom Hughes as Prince Albert.
Joining the leads, Laurence Fox has been confirmed to play charismatic and wayward Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston, whilst Tony and Olivier Award nominee Kate Fleetwood will play Victoria’s mysterious sister Feodora, who makes an unexpected return into the Queen’s life.
In addition, actor and comedian John Sessions will also star as Prime Minister John Russell, whilst Lily Travers will play the Duchess of Monmouth. Nicholas Audsley, David Burnett and Emily Forbes also join the cast as new characters.
Starting in 1848, the third instalment of the lavish drama will depict a turbulent and uncertain time for both Europe and the monarchy. With revolutions on the continent and the Chartist movement reaching its peak in London, Victoria is under pressure from the government to leave London for her own safety.
Creator Daisy Goodwin said: “Victoria and Albert are the most famous couple of the nineteenth century, but underneath the united facade, their relationship is at breaking point and it is a struggle for mastery that neither side can win.”
Praised for its opulent production values, Victoria is one of ITV’s most successful dramas, with the first series being the highest rating drama of 2016 on the channel. The second series continued to prove immensely popular, attracting a consolidated average of 6.4 million viewers and a 25% share.
It has also been hugely popular in the US, with the second series reaching an average audience of 5.2m viewers on PBS, securing its place as second in its timeslot for the majority of the series, behind specials such as the Super Bowl, Grammys and Winter Olympics.
