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Season 1

2 episodes · 29th September 2005

Season details

Details

Episode guide

Episodes

01 Part 1 still Part 1 Episode 129th September 2005 Focuses on the relationship between Elizabeth I and the Earl of Leicester, her admirer and trusted advisor. They agree they cannot marry because of strategy and politics, but Leicester remains on intimate terms with her and her advisor. He feels threatened by the Queen's interest in the Duke of Anjou as a suitor and does what he can to disrupt the courtship. The Queen also has to deal with threats posed by Mary Queen of Scots, culminating in the latter's execution after involvement in plots against Elizabeth, as well as war with Spain. There is victory over the Armada and Spanish threat, but Elizabeth's joy at this is overshadowed by the death of Leicester. 02 Part 2 still Part 2 Episode 26th October 2005 Deals with the final part of Elizabeth's reign and her relationship with the young and ambitious Earl of Essex. Her obvious affection for him causes concern to Walsingham, Cecil and Burghley, and as Essex becomes increasingly demanding, disobedient and ambitious, Elizabeth ultimately has to deal with him as a potential threat to her throne and position.
Talent

Cast & Crew

01 Helen Mirren profile Helen Mirrenas Queen Elizabeth I 02 Jeremy Irons profile Jeremy Ironsas Earl of Leicester 03 Hugh Dancy profile Hugh Dancyas Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex 04 Simon Woods profile Simon Woodsas Gifford 05 Charlotte Asprey profile Charlotte Aspreyas Frances Walsingham 06 Diana Kent profile Diana Kentas Lady Essex 07 Geoffrey Streatfeild profile Geoffrey Streatfeildas Sir Anthony Babington 08 Martin Savage profile Martin Savageas Stubbs 09 Douglas Reith profile Douglas Reithas Jude 10 Douglas Reith profile Douglas Reithas Judge 11 John McEnery profile John McEneryas Jesuit Priest 12 Nigel Williams profile Nigel WilliamsWriter / Screenplay
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