The Tudors

I have finally watched an episode of BBC/Showtime co-production The Tudors - a supposedly raunchy TV series best described as loosely based on the early years of Henry VIII's reign - which has already secured a second series!

To be honest I had been put off by the imagined familiarity of the story but more by the surly and girly Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry VIII. But was delighted to see these two in the cast.

Steven Waddington as Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, has long been a favourite of mine - a proper cub, if he did but know it, and Henry Cavill as Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk.


Steven Waddington is best known for his extensive film career, with credits including Edward II, Last of the Mohicans, Carrington, Face, The Hole, Sleepy Hollow, The Parole Officer, and Breakfast on Pluto. His television credits include Ivanhoe, Boudica and The Curse of King Tut's Tomb. He has appeared on stage in Barbarians, Pericles, Coriolanus, All's Well That Ends Well, and 900 Oneonta.


Henry Cavill began his career as an actor in Stowe Boarding School in England where he appeared in many student productions. He has appeared in several films, including The Count of Monte Cristo, I Capture the Castle, Riding Hood, Hellraiser: Hellworld, and the film adaptation of the myth of Tristan & Isolde. He will soon be seen alongside Robert DeNiro and Claire Danes in the magical-realist fantasy Stardust. He was briefly considered as James Bond for Casino Royale but was finally considered to be too young and the role went to Daniel Craig.

He looks like a major star for the future - although this may be because for The Tudors they have cropped his hair and made him grow a beard.

... and finally, wouldn't you just love to be photographed in this style in full Tudor costume...?