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ITV initially turned down the chance to have a Victoria special at Christmas: 'They didn't know how big the show was going to become'

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It was recently announced that Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes are set to return in the second series of Victoria as well as a 2017 Christmas special. But the makers of the hit period drama have revealed that ITV bosses had initially rejected their offer to have a festive special for this year.

Speaking at the Science Museum, in central London, writer Daisy Goodwin believes ITV are perhaps regretting their decision - since the show proved to be such a huge hit with viewers.

"We did offer them one for this year but they went, 'Umm…' I don't think they knew how big the show was going to become," she explained. "I wish we had one this year. I bet they are wishing they had one now but we will have one for next year."

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victoria© Photo: ITV

ITV initially turned down the chance to have a Victoria special at Christmas

Goodwin, 54, recently confirmed that ITV had commissioned the Victoria Christmas special in 2017 after announcing the second series of the drama will be aired next year.

During a Twitter Q&A with Radio Times, one fan asked if she had started working on the second series of Victoria and when viewers can expect it to air.

"Yes I have! Much to the producer's relief," replied Daisy. "It's not easy, but hope you will approve when it airs next year, autumn 2017 +Xmas special."

victoria 2z© Photo: ITV

The second series will follow Victoria as tries to balance raising children with her duties as a wife and as a monarch

The second series will follow Victoria as she learns how to balance raising children with her duties as a wife and as a monarch.

Screenwriter Daisy was also asked if the new series would tell the story of Prince Albert's death in 1861, to which she tweeted: "We will stay in the 1840s so Albert is safe… for now."

The Sunday night prime-time drama has been a ratings winner, pulling in an average of 7.7 million viewers each week.

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