LONDON, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Jenna Coleman is to star as Queen Victoria in the eight-part, television drama Victoria, ITV announced.
The British network's casting news confirmed long-swirling rumors stating the actress was leaving Doctor Who to headline the history-themed miniseries, which follows the early life of the royal from her ascension to the throne at the age of 18 through to her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert.
Victoria ultimately ruled for 63 years and was Britain's longest serving monarch until she was overtaken by her granddaughter Elizabeth II on Sept. 9.
The series about Queen Victoria was created and written by novelist Daisy Goodwin and marks her screenwriting debut.
"I am delighted to be cast as Queen Victoria in this ambitious drama of her life. She is a vivid, strong, inspirational and utterly fascinating woman in British history and I can't wait to tell her story," Coleman said in a statement.
The series will open with a 90-minute episode, followed by seven one-hour episodes.
Tom Vaughan will direct the first installment. Further casting is underway for the drama, which is to start filming in locations around the North of England next month.
The BBC confirmed this week that Coleman would leave Doctor Who during its ninth season, which begins Saturday night. When and how her character will depart the beloved science-fiction program has not yet been revealed. Coleman first joined the cast in 2012.
