If we needed more proof that ITV has - phew! - found its ‘Downton Abbey’ replacement in ‘Victoria’, it’s arrived - with reports that the channel bosses are now considering a whopping six series in total, to cover the entirety of her reign, but not necessarily with Jenna Coleman remaining in the title role.
Viewers saw the young Queen prepare for motherhood in this weekend’s Series 1 finale, with impressive ratings for the whole run being rewarded with a second series already confirmed, plus a Christmas special for 2017.
Does it bother you when a new actor takes over a character’s role? Vote below...
Now, Radio Times reports that ITV bosses are considering a run of up to six series in total, which would match the tireless run of transatlantic hit ‘Downton Abbey’, which finished last year.
Helpfully for them, Queen Victoria had a long reign as monarch, lasting 63 years, second only to our reigning HM, and bearing nine children in total. However, her life changed dramatically following the death of husband Albert in 1861, after which she resorted to widow’s garb and adopted the serious expression, for which later generations best remember her.
Accordingly, it seems bosses are pondering the idea of keeping title star Jenna Coleman in for three series, then swapping her for an older actress. The Radio Times quotes an ITV source saying, “The channel would want the drama to go to the end of her 63 year reign in 1901, but around six series and a new Queen half way through is what is being talked about at the moment.”
This is no reflection on the abilities of the Jenna Coleman, hitting all the right notes with fans for her performance as the sparkling young monarch - complete with sizzling chemistry with her rumoured off-screen squeeze Tom Hughes as Albert, and a twinkly-eyed Lord Melbourne aka Rufus Sewell.