The story of French queen Marie Antoinette who was beheaded at the age of just 37 is recognised by many across the world and now a new BBC Two drama will show the famous figure's younger life. The drama will follow Marie, who aged just 14 was forced to leave Vienna and marry the Dauphin of France.
Named Marie Antoinette the show was written by Deborah Davies, who also wrote the very successful historical film The Favourite. The show aims to change the perception and opinion of Marie Antoinette - the last queen of France before the French Revolution - and shows her as a brave trailblazer, taking on the establishment in order to live her life as she pleased.
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Here is everything you need to know about the show.
When does Marie Antoinette start?
Marie Antoinette will begin on BBC Two on Thursday, December 29 at 9pm.
How many episodes are there of Marie Antoinette?
Starting on Thursday, December 29, there are eight episodes in the series and the episodes will continue to air on Thursday nights on BBC Two at 9pm. The second episode of Marie Antoinette will air on Thursday, January 5 and all episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer after the first episode airs.
What is the Marie Antoinette plot?
The show will follow a young Marie Antoinette who, aged just 14, is sent from her native Vienna to France to marry the future King Louis XVI and cement peace between Austria and France. Marie soon learns the French courts are a very different and treacherous place as she establishes herself as the future Queen.
Who is in the Marie Antoinette cast?
Emilia Schule as Marie Antoinette: Playing the lead character of Marie Antoinette is Emilia Schule who has previously starred in the TV series Berlin Station and Treadstone.
Louis Cunningham as Louis XVI: In the role of Louis XVI, Marie's future husband, is Louis Cunningham who has appeared in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton and is the real-life grandson of the late Prince Charles of Luxembourg.
Jack Archer as Provence: Jack Archer is playing Provence, Louis's brother. He played Jamie Marshbrook in The Bay and Michael Leeks in BBC One drama Call The Midwife.
Gaia Weiss as Madame du Barry: Future royal mistress to the King Madame du Barry is being played by Gaia Wiess. Gaia has starred in the film Mary Queen of Scots and the TV shows Vikings and Outlander.
Jasmine Blackborrow as Lamballe: Close friend of Marie is Lamballe, played by Jasmine Blackborrow. She has starred in the Netflix series Shadow and Bone and performed on stage in Othello and Much Ado About Nothing.
Laura Benson as Madame Etiquette: Laura Benson, who recently starred in the 2021 film Spencer about Princess Diana, will play Madame Etiquette.
Liah O'Prey as Yolande: A favourite of Marie Antoinette Yolande is being played by Liah O'Prey. She has starred in Mary Queen of Scots and the TV series The Eddy.
James Purefoy as King Louis XV: Experienced actor James Purefoy will play King Louis XV. He has starred in the 2017 film Churchill and the Netflix series Sex Education.
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