Lion TV receives royal nod from Five

Leading UK independent Lion Television has been commissioned by Channel Five to produce 'The Secret Life of Elizabeth I: Revealed', a drama-documentary aiming to delve beyond the carefully stage-managed iconography of Queen Elizabeth I.
The 60-minute programme will examine the gossip, scandal and rumour surrounding the so-called Virgin Queen's claims throughout her life that she never consummated a relationship with a man.
With the help of historian and historical novelist, Dr Paul Doherty, author of 'The Secret Life of Elizabeth I', the documentary will investigate the possibility that Elizabeth not only enjoyed a sexual relationship with close childhood friend Robert Dudley, but that she bore him a secret lovechild. Through the use of rare archive letters and contributions from noted historians, the programme will provide a fascinating glimpse into the sexual politics and court intrigue navigated by the Elizabethan aristocracy and the great Queen herself.
Starring Michelle Connolly as the Virgin Queen, the programme will try to unravel what the consequences, if Doherty's theory were true, Elizabeth's sexual indiscretion might have had upon her reign and her.
Jeremy Mills, Managing Director, Lion Television, said: "The Secret Life of Elizabeth I: Revealed underlines Lion TV's approach to delivering in-depth historical portrayals of royalty and its history in the UK. Of all the Royals throughout modern history, her story is one of the ones which fascinate us most. Dr Paul Doherty is one of the leading historians in this field and really is able to bring this often controversial tale to life, we are delighted to have him on board on this project."
The Secret Life of Elizabeth I: Revealed is a Lion Television production for Channel Five and will be transmitted on Wednesday June 14. Commissioned by Alex Sutherland, Controller of History at Channel Five, the programme was produced and directed by Chris Mitchell and exec produced by Bill Locke.
(GB/CD)