Entered into: Best Returning Drama Series



Produced by: A PLAYGROUND and COMPANY PICTURES Production for BBC and MASTERPIECE in association with BANIJAY RIGHTS LIMITED

For: BBC and MASTERPIECE

Distributed by: Banijay Rights



Directed by Peter Kosminsky (The Undeclared War, The State) and adapted for television by Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Solider Spy, Frank), this six-part series follows Thomas Cromwell as he continues to navigate the moral complexities of the Tudor court following the execution of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife.

As the axe drops, Cromwell emerges from the bloodbath to continue his climb to power and wealth, while his formidable master, Henry, settles to short-lived happiness with his third queen, Jane Seymour. With only his wits to rely on, no great family to back him, and no private army, Cromwell is caught between his desire to do what is right and his instinct to survive. But in the wake of Henry having executed his queen, no one is safe.

Academy Award-winner Mark Rylance reprises his BAFTA-winning role of Cromwell, with Emmy Award-winner Damian Lewis returning as King Henry VIII, alongside Academy Award-nominee Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Wolsey. Also returning are Kate Phillips as Jane Seymour and Lilit Lesser as Princess Mary, the daughter of Henry and his first wife Catherine of Aragon.