Series synopsis
Elizabeth I is a British drama television series that premiered on Channel 4 on September 29, 2005. It ended on October 6, 2005. It stars Helen Mirren, Jeremy Irons, Hugh Dancy and Ben Pullen.
The reign of Elizabeth I of England and her relationships with the Earl of Leicester and the Earl of Essex.
Premise
The reign of Elizabeth I of England and her relationships with the Earl of Leicester and the Earl of Essex.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth I
- Jeremy Irons as Earl of Leicester
- Hugh Dancy as Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex
- Ben Pullen as Sir Walter Raleigh
- Simon Woods as Gifford
- Charlotte Asprey as Frances Walsingham
- Diana Kent as Lady Essex
- Geoffrey Streatfeild as Sir Anthony Babington
Supporting cast
- Martin Savage as Stubbs
- Douglas Reith as Judge
- John McEnery as Jesuit Priest
- Toby Salaman as Dr. Lopez
- Eddie Redmayne as Southampton
- Erick Deshors as Jean de Simier
- Ann Firbank as Lady Anne
- Will Keen as Francis Bacon
- Barbara Flynn as Mary Queen of Scots
- Patrick Malahide as Sir Francis Walsingham
- Ewen Bremner as King James VI
- Ian McDiarmid as Lord Burghley
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 2 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 2 | September 29, 2005 | October 6, 2005 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Part 1 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. |
September 29, 2005 |
| 2 |
Part 2 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. |
October 6, 2005 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Channel 4 |
|---|---|
| First aired | September 29, 2005 |
| Last aired | October 6, 2005 |
| Status | Ended |
| Schedule | Thursday at 21:00:00 |