New period drama A Very British Scandal starring Claire Foy is coming to TV soon

BBC One has shared a first look at the cast in action.

The Crown actress Claire Foy will be back on our screens for another iconic historical role this December in the new period drama A Very British Scandal. The 37-year-old will play the Duchess of Argyll Margaret Campbell, a socialite and textile heiress, who was famed for her "charisma, beauty and style". The scandalous new show tells the story of Margaret's explosive divorce from her second husband, Ian Douglas Campbell - played by WandaVision and Avengers actor Paul Bettany - and examines attitudes towards women, questioning whether institutional misogyny was widespread at the time. [caption id="attachment_537932" align="alignnone" width="1456"] Claire Foy as Margaret Campbell[/caption] The divorce between the Duke and Duchess of Argyll was one of the most notorious and brutal legal cases of the 20th century. In her fall from grace, Margaret retained her bravery and resilience, refusing to go quietly as she was betrayed by her friends, family, and shamed by a society who sought to vilify her. The Emmy-winning actress has said the show will also look at the "shame, judgement and controversy that surrounds a woman’s sexuality." [caption id="attachment_537930" align="alignnone" width="1456"] The Duke (Paul Bettany) and Duchess of Argyll.[/caption] The limited series, written by Sarah Phelps, will consist of three hour-long episodes. The TV show's synopsis reads: "Famed for her charisma, beauty and style, Margaret, Duchess of Argyll, dominated the front pages as a divorce featuring accusations of forgery, theft, violence, drug-taking, secret recording, bribery and an explicit polaroid picture – all played out in the white-hot glare of the 1960s media." [caption id="attachment_537933" align="alignnone" width="1456"] Maureen (Julia Davis) and Margaret (Claire Foy)[/caption] Others joining the cast include Julia Davis (Gavin and Stacy) as Maureen The Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava, Amanda Drew (Eastenders, Trust), Richard McCabe (Poldark), Phoebe Nicholls (The Elephant Man). A Very British Scandal is coming soon to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK and will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video in 2022.