The second series of Tudors, currently on BBC Two on Friday nights, sees the sensual drama’s return to the ruthless world of political intrigue, desire and betrayal in the court of Henry VIII.

Henry, played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, faces the wrath of the formidable new Pope, Paul III, played by screen legend Peter O’Toole, after his marriage to Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer) who delivers a child, but not Henry’s longed-for son and heir.

The drama reveals the passion and heartbreak of a royal marriage destined to leave tragedy and constitutional crisis in its wake, and the legacy of an uncompromising King that refused to bow to Rome.

The ten-part series began on BBC Two on Friday 1 August 2008.