Period Drama 'Victoria' to Get a Christmas Special in 2017
Period drama Victoria has already been renewed for a second season. But, thanks to the rather massive success of its first season outing in the UK, we'll all be spending a little more time in the Victorian era next year than previously thought. Victoria will also be filming a Christmas special episode for 2017.
Taking part in a recent Twitter chat with the Radio Times, series creator Daisy Goodwin announced the commission of a Victoria holiday installment.
yes I have! much to the producer's relief. it's not easy, but hope you will approve when it airs next year, autumn 2017 +xmas special https://t.co/wvXS90xd1D
— Radio Times (@RadioTimes) October 6, 2016
This settles Victoria into a familiar pattern - ITV's previous Sunday night costume drama hit Downton Abbey also included Christmas specials following five of its six seasons.
The drama stars Doctor Who alum Jenna Coleman as the young queen, and follows the story of the early years of her reign, from her ascension to the throne in 1837 through her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert. Coleman is joined by an ensemble that includes Tom Hughes, Rufus Sewell, Eve Myles, Peter Firth, Catherine Flemming and more.
Interestingly enough, it turns out that Goodwin offered the British network a Christmas special for this year, but ITV reportedly turned it down. "We did offer them one for this year but they went, 'Umm…'" Goodwin said during an event at London's Science Museum. "I don't think they knew how big the show was going to become."
The network is probably kicking themselves now over that decision.
Victoria's successful first season will premiere in America in early 2017. It will take over Downton Abbey's old Masterpiece timeslot on Sunday nights, beginning January 15. (And before someone asks, there's no word yet on how the Christmas episode for Season 2 will be incorporated once we reach that point. My guess is that Victoria will do just as Downton did during its American broadcast run, and air any and all holiday episodes at the end of their respective seasons.)
Are you looking forward to giving the drama a try?
