The Musketeers Returns For Series Three

The Musketeers is to return to BBC One for a third series.

The latest series will see the Musketeers face their greatest challenge yet in war-torn Paris, a city that is ready to explode.

Refugees have fled to the capital in search of safety, but food is scarce and black market profiteering isn't. Phillipe Feron, the city's governor, played by Rupert Everett, is happy to exploit the situation for his own ends, however, with the support of his Red Guard and gangster Lucien Grimaud (Matthew McNulty).

Minister Treville's (Hugo Speer) attempts to draw the King's attention to the crisis unfolding have failed, but when the Musketeers briefly return from the war, he sees an opportunity.

Ordered to the heart of the precinct, the Musketeers are charged with preventing catastrophe, even if they have their own personal battles to fight. Aramis, for example, did not join the Musketeers on the battlefield due to his decision to enter a monastery; while D'Artagnan is happy to be returning home to Constance – but they have both been irrevocably changed by war.

Athos has uneasily taken the mantle of Captain of the Musketeers, a position that comes under threat when he meets disarming revolutionary Sylvie. Elsewhere, Porthos's battlefield exploits have made him a hero, but he no longer feels he belongs in Paris.

The events will challenge the Musketeers' allegiance to the crown, their personal lives and compromise their loyalty to those they love – as well as each other.

The Musketeers cast includes Luke Pasqualino as D'Artagnan, Tom Burke as Athos, Howard Charles as Porthos and Santiago Cabrera as Aramis. Rupert Everett plays the role of Governor Feron and Matthew McNulty as Lucien Grimaud. Tamla Kari also stars as Constance D'Artagnan, with Ryan Gage as King Louis.

Jessica Pope is Executive Producer for The Musketeers, with Matthew Bird as Producer. Simon J Ashford and Simon Allen are the writers.

The Musketeers is made by BBC Drama Production Salford for BBC One and co-produced by BBC Worldwide.

Image courtesy of BBC Media Centre.

www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre

(JP/MH)