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The reign of Elizabeth I of England and her relationships with the Earl of Leicester and the Earl of Essex.
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.
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.
Helen Mirren
Elizabeth I
Hugh Dancy
Earl of Essex
Toby Jones
Robert Cecil
Patrick Malahide
Sir Francis Walsingham
Jeremy Irons
Earl of Leicester / Lord Dudley
Ian McDiarmid
Lord Burghley
Ewen Bremner
King James VI
Barbara Flynn
Mary Queen of Scots
Eddie Redmayne
Southampton
Toby Salaman
Dr Lopez
Will Keen
Francis Bacon
Jérémie Covillault
Duke of Anjou