Henry VIII series has historians talking

LONDON, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- "The Tudors," a new television miniseries about the reign and marriages of Britain's King Henry VIII, is causing controversy among British historians.

The U.S. drama series portrays Henry VIII as a young, attractive and sexually promiscuous man. The notion goes against the traditional image of Henry VIII as a portly man with gout, and some historians say they think the production took the idea too far, The Independent reported.

Many argue there is no evidence to suggest Henry VIII was sexually promiscuous in his youth.

The eight-hour series, to be aired on Showtime, stars Irish-born actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry and English actor Jeremy Northam as Sir Thomas More.