The BBC has dropped a set of new images ahead of the release of its upcoming historical drama, King & Conqueror, starring James Norton.
The Happy Valley star leads the cast as future King of England Harold, Earl of Wessex, while Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau plays his on-screen adversary, William, Duke of Normandy, in the epic period piece.
© BBC / CBS StudiosHELLO!'s TV Writer Abby Allen said of the show: "Despite studying history at school, King & Conqueror feels like the perfect way to brush up on my English knowledge. And with the incredible James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (aka Jaime Lannister) leading the charge, I can’t wait to be swept up in this epic retelling."
Intrigued? Keep reading for all you need to know, plus get a glimpse at the new images.
What to expect from the show
According to the synopsis, the series tells "the story of a clash that defined the future of a country – and a continent – for a thousand years, the roots of which stretch back decades and extend out through a pair of interconnected family dynasties, struggling for power across two countries and a raging sea".
© Lilja Jons/BBCIt continues: "Harold of Wessex and William of Normandy were two men destined to meet at the Battle of Hastings in 1066; two allies with no design on the English throne, who found themselves forced by circumstance and personal obsession into a war for possession of its crown."
Who stars in King & Conqueror?
James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau lead a seriously impressive cast, which includes Emily Beecham as Edith Swan-neck, Clémence Poésy as Matilda, Eddie Marsan as King Edward, Juliet Stevenson as Lady Emma, Luther Ford as Tostig, Bo Bragason as Queen Gunhild and Indy Lewis as Margaret.
© Lilja Jons/BBCThe series also stars Clare Holman (The Diplomat) as Gytha, Elander Moore (KAOS) as Morcar, Geoff Bell (Death in Paradise) as Godwin, Jean-Marc Barr (Bad Banks) as King Henry and Elliott Cowan (Death in Paradise) as Sweyn.
Rounding out the cast are Bjarne Henriksen as Earl Siward, Oliver Masucci as Baldwin, Jason Forbes as Thane Thomas, Ingvar Sigurdsson as Fitzosbern, Ines Asserson as Judith, Sveinn Ólafur Gunnarsson as Hardrada and Léo Legrand as Odo.
© Lilja Jons/BBCWhen will King & Conqueror be released?
All eight episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Sunday 24 August, with the first episode airing on BBC One that evening.
Five historical dramas to watch will you wait...
1/5
© Simon Ridgway1. The Winter King - ITVX
Set in post-Roman Dark Age Britain, this is the story of how Arthur became the lord of the war, based on Bernard Cornwell's trilogy of novels The Warlord Chronicles.
2/5
2. A Thousand Blows - Disney+
Inspired by true-life events, Hezekiah and Alec, two best friends from Jamaica, are fighting for their lives in the East End of London in the 1880s. Viewers are transported to the underground boxing world, where there is crime, secrets, and competition.
3/5
© BBC3. The Hollow Crown - Amazon Prime
Any historical Shakespearean lovers will enjoy this series based on Shakespeare's history plays - including a stellar lineup of talented actors such as Ben Wishaw, Tom Hiddleston, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
4/5
© Photo: ITV4. Poldark - BBC iPlayer
On his return from the American Revolutionary War, Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner) finds his life has been completely turned upside down. In an attempt to rebuild his life in Cornwall, expect scoops of romance, conflict, and rivalry.
5/5
© BERNARD WALSH/NETFLIX5. Vikings: Valhalla - Netflix
A sequel to Vikings, the series is set more than 100 years after the events. The season starts with the St. Brice's Day massacre in 1002 and precedes an ever-changing Europe.
