Anyone with a fleeting interest in English history might already know that Lady Jane Grey – the great-granddaughter of Henry VII – was proclaimed Queen of England following the death of her cousin, Edward VI (Henry VIII’s son).

As support for Edward’s half-sister Mary (the future Queen Mary I) grew, it wasn’t long before Lady Jane was accused of high treason and locked up in the Tower of London. In fact, she reigned from 10-19 July 1553, thus earning her the moniker the Nine Day Queen… before she was tragically beheaded.

So far, so bleak. Which is why our interest was piqued when we learned that a new TV series – which, much like Netflix’s Bridgerton, is an epic romance set in an alternate historical timeline – promises to offer us a joyful reimagining of events.

Watch the trailer for My Lady Jane below:

We’re already hooked.

What is My Lady Jane about?

Per the official synopsis, viewers are advised to “gird your loins for the tragic tale of Lady Jane Grey, the young Tudor noblewoman who was Queen of England for nine days and then beheaded in 1553… F*ck that. We’re retelling history the way it should have happened: the damsel in distress saves herself.”

Based on the bestselling book of the same name, the synopsis finishes: “This is an epic tale of true love and high adventure set in an alt-universe of action, history, fantasy, comedy, romance and rompy-pompy. Buckle up.”

Who stars in My Lady Jane?

The cast boasts some stellar names, old and new, including Emily Bader as our eponymous heroine and Gavin & Stacey’s Uncle Brynn in a very different kind of role.

The full cast list is as follows:

• Edward Bluemel as Guildford Dudley
• Jordan Peters as King Edward
• Dominic Cooper as Lord Seymour
• Anna Chancellor as Jane’s mother, Lady Frances Grey
• Rob Brydon as Lord Dudley, Guildford’s father
• Jim Broadbent as the Duke of Leicester, Jane’s uncle
• Henry Ashton as Guildford’s brother, Stan
• Isabella Brownson as Jane’s sister, Katherine Grey
• Robyn Betteridge as Jane’s sister, Margaret Grey
• Kate O’Flynn as the King’s sister Princess Mary (aka Queen Mary)
• Abbie Hern as the King’s sister Princess Bess

Máiréad Tyers, Joe Klocek, and Michael Workeye also star.

What are people saying about My Lady Jane?

Speaking to Hindustan Times about the must-watch series, creators Meredith Glynn and Gemma Burgess explain: “It is the responsibility of great storytelling to say something important about the world we live in.

“We were very interested in themes of feminist power, and otherism. But we also wanted to do it with a good deal of entertainment. 

“We hope the show reflects the best that people can be without ignoring their worth.”

When and where can we watch My Lady Jane?

My Lady Jane premieres on Prime Video on Thursday 27 June.

Images: Prime Video