Anne Boleyn start date and cast for new Channel 5 drama starring Jodie Turner-Smith

Channel 5 has confirmed the start date for its new Anne Boleyn drama staring Jodie Turner-Smith in the title role.

The three-part mini series will tell the story of Boleyn’s relationship with Henry VIII from her perspective.

Simply titled Anne Boleyn, the show has been described as a “propulsive psychological thriller” which will explore the final months of Boleyn’s life up until her execution.

Further casting includes Mark Stanley (Sanditon) as Henry VIII, Amanda Burton (White House Farm), Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You), Thalissa Teixeira (Trigonometry), Barry Ward (Des) and Jamael Westman (Animals).

When does Anne Boleyn air on TV?

Anne Boleyn will start on Channel 5 on Tuesday, 1 June at 9PM.

Episodes of the three-part series will then continue nightly on Wednesday, 2 June and and Thursday, 3 June.

Eve Hedderwick Turner will write the series while Lynsey Miller will direct.

Jodie Turner-Smith said: “I am so excited to join these exciting filmmakers in bringing the story of one of history’s most controversial queens to the screen.

“Delving deeper into Anne Boleyn’s immense strengths while examining her fatal weaknesses and vulnerabilities, Eve’s scripts immediately captured my imagination.

“In the hands of Lynsey Miller, the legend of this formidable queen and fierce mother will be seen as a deeply human story that is still so relevant for today.

“I look forward to bringing my heart and spirit into this daring retelling of the fall of this iconic woman.”

Channel 5 boss Ben Frow added: “It is no secret that I’m a huge Anne Boleyn fan and we know she’s a proven success as a subject with factual and film audiences.

“This project re-frames her story as a propulsive psychological thriller, told from a new perspective, with top talent like Jodie Turner-Smith attached.

“It was simply too irresistible to say no to and I’m very excited to see the finished product.”

Faye Ward and Hannah Farrell, creative directors for producers Fable Pictures, commented: “Eve’s drama challenges all the conventions of who we think Anne Boleyn was and shines a feminist light on her story.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have the magnetic Jodie Turner-Smith on board to encapsulate Anne’s determination to be an equal among men and to pave a path for her daughter.

“We feel that history has side-lined the voice of this ambitious Queen in favour of the men who brought her down, and that Lynsey Miller’s beautiful, intimate vision will put Anne’s gaze at the heart of the piece.”

Picture: Anne Boleyn Anne Boleyn (Played by Jodie Turner-Smith) and Henry VIII (Played by Mark Stanley)