PBS has acquired the US rights to Victoria, ITV’s major new drama about the early life of Queen Victoria.

The American public broadcaster will air the eight-part miniseries in 2017 in the Sunday evening time slot previously occupied by Downton Abbey for the past six years.

From the makers of Poldark, Victoria follows Queen Victoria (Doctor Who star Jenna Coleman) from her accession to the throne at the tender age of 18 through to her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert. Victoria went on to rule for 63 years.

Speaking at the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena yesterday, Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton commented: “Downton Abbey has proved that millions of viewers will turn up year after year for a beautifully crafted period drama. Victoria has it all: a riveting script, brilliant cast, and spectacular locations. And it’s a true story!”

She added: “This is exactly the kind of programming Masterpiece fans will love.”

The cast also includes Tom Hughes (The Game) as Prince Albert, Eve Myles (Torchwood) as the Queen’s senior dresser, Alex Jennings (The Lady in the Van) as Leopold I, King of Belgium, Peter Firth (Spooks) as the Duke of Cumberland, Catherine Flemming (No Place to Go) as the Duchess of Kent, Rufus Sewell (Parade’s End) as Lord Melbourne, Paul Rhys (Being Human) as Sir John Conroy, Adrian Schiller (Suffragette) as Penge, Nichola McAuliffe (Coronation Street) as the Duchess of Cumberland, Daniela Holtz (Phoenix, Der Verdacht) as Victoria’s governess and confidante Baroness Lehzen, Nell Hudson (Outlander) as Miss Skerrett and Tommy-Lawrence Knight (The Sarah Jane Adventures) as the hall boy, Brodie.

Victoria began filming around the North of England last October and will air on ITV later this year.

Are you looking forward to Victoria? Let us know below…