French connection

A ruthless con woman threatens Marie Antoinette's reign at Versailles

- 

And, surprisingly, as we catch up with the last-ever monarchs of France in 1783, we discover they are enjoying a harmonious period in their reign.

‘Marie Antoinette is definitely not the teenager she was,’ says Emilia Schüle, who plays her. ‘She’s a mother, she’s a dedicated queen, she’s quite popular. Her reign is at its peak. But it’s not easy at Versailles – there are many, many forces working against her.’

CHALLENGING TIMES

In the first episode, France is in the grip of the coldest winter on record. Many of its people are starving, but the royal couple are adored for their compassion and charity. However, behind the scenes, the country is in debt and Louis (Louis Cunningham) is struggling with the burden.