ITV crowns Victoria with third season

Victoria has been sold into more than 150 countries

UK commercial broadcaster ITV has renewed period royal drama Victoria for a third season.

The series is produced by UK indie Mammoth Screen as a copro with PBS’s Masterpiece in the US and focuses on the life of Queen Victoria. The first two seasons chronicled her accession to the throne at 18, through to her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert.

The third run, for which filming will begin next year, picks up in the mid-19th century, during the political upheavals around Europe and uncertain times for the British monarchy. Jenna Colman (Doctor Who) will reprise her role as the title character, with Tom Hughes (Paula) also returning as Prince Albert.

Victoria was created by writer and producer Daisy Goodwin and is exec produced by Rebecca Eaton. It was recommissioned for ITV by head of drama Polly Hill.

The renewal comes off the back of the success of season two, which attracted a consolidated average of 6.4 million viewers and a 25% share, making it the broadcaster’s best returning Sunday 21.00 drama of the year.

Victoria is distributed internationally by ITV Studios Global Entertainment, and has been sold into more than 150 countries, including Italy and Israel earlier this year.