Mr Bates director will make Elizabeth I drama for ITV

ITV drama director Polly Hill has commissioned six-part Tudor drama Majesty, which reimagines the life of young Elizabeth I and her place in the court of King Henry VIII, based on conspiracy theories that surrounded her as a young woman Woman.

It was created and written by former Grey’s Anatomy showrunners Joan Rater, Tony Phelan and William Harper. Mr. Bates v the Post Office director James Strong directs. Strong Film and Television is producing.

Was the virgin queen hiding a deep secret? And how did this overlooked, embattled princess become the most powerful ruler England has ever known?

Majesty is released on ITV1 and STV and streams on ITVX and STV Player. Polly Hill will oversee production on behalf of the broadcaster.

James Strong’s most recent work is the groundbreaking film “Mr. Bates vs The Post Office, ITV’s most successful drama in over a decade. He is also known for directing Broadchurch, Liar, Fire Country, The Suspect, Vigil and Vanity Fair.

“Majesty” is produced by James Strong’s newly formed production company Strong Film and Television, which James founded with his television colleagues Matt Tombs and Loretta Preece and which is supported by leading producer and distributor StudioCanal.

Rater, Phelan and Harper most recently worked together on the NatGeo/Disney+ eight-episode limited drama series “A Small Light.” Rater and Phelan also co-produced and currently serve as executive producers on the CBS hit Friday drama “Fire Country,” whose third season is currently in production, as well as its spinoff drama “Sheriff Country,” also in production for CBS was recorded in series for the 2025/26 broadcast season.

William Harper, Joan Rater and Tony Phelan said: “Majesty is an emotional, funny and contemporary alternative story about how three misfits try to stay alive while hiding a secret that, if discovered, would shake England to its foundations “Majesty allows us to have fun with history while illuminating who we are now. This show is pure wish fulfillment of how people who work for the common good are suddenly able to make a difference.”

Polly Hill said: “I’m delighted to announce Majesty and to be working with James and his team on such a fascinating and thought-provoking story. Majesty is a perfect example of the range of dramas we want to see on ITV as we continue to strive to make the best and most ambitious mainstream drama for our British audience.”

James Strong added: “I couldn’t be more excited to bring this bold and original show to the screen.” The brilliant scripts are a director’s dream as we get to reimagine and recreate an iconic piece of English history and tell a historical story , which looks stunning but also feels modern and relevant to today’s viewer.”

Filming will begin in 2025, with the cast to be announced closer to the drama’s start of production.

STUDIOCANAL will be responsible for international distribution of the drama.

Pippa Considine

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