Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes return as Queen Victoria and her beloved consort Albert in the hotly-anticipated third series of the regal drama. Created and written by Daisy Goodwin, the new series will see Laurence Fox (Lewis) play charming and rebellious Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston. The series will also see the addition of Olivier and Tony award-nominated Kate Fleetwood (Harlots) as Victoria’s mysterious sister Feodora who makes an unforeseen return into the Queen’s life.

Set in 1848, the third installment of the lavish drama will depict a turbulent and uncertain time for both Europe and the monarchy. As revolutions bubble on the continent and the Chartist movement in London reaches its peak, the Queen is under pressure to leave the city for her own safety.

“Victoria and Albert are the most famous couple of the nineteenth century," said Daisy Goodwin, "but underneath the united facade, their relationship is at breaking point and it is a struggle for mastery that neither side can win.” 

Further additions to the cast include actor and comedian John Sessions (The Loch) as Prime Minister John Russell and Lily Travers (Kingsman) as the Duchess of Monmouth. Nicholas Audsley (The White Princess), David Burnett (The Mummy) and Emily Forbes (Endeavour) will also be joining the production.

Victoria, which is co-produced by Mammoth Screen and Masterpiece, is one of ITV's most successful dramas, with 6.4 million viewers in the UK tuning in to watch the second series. A further 5.2 million American viewers tuned in to watch it on PBS.