Damian Lewis transforms into Henry VIII on set for BBC drama Wolf Hall
HE IS known for his hard-hitting character on TV series Homeland and now Damian Lewis has stepped into the shoes of one of Britain's most notorious kings.
The 43-year-old actor attracted plenty of attention by dressing up as Henry VIII while on set for new BBC drama Wolf Hall, at Chasleton House in Oxfordshire earlier today.
Looking every inch the 16th century throwback, Damian was seen wearing a regal bright yellow and red dress with vintage black leather plaited boots.
Damian is set to play the lead role in the six-part series, which is an adaptation of Hilary Mantel's award-winning biopic novel of the same name.
The novel was previously adapted into a successful stage production by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the beginning of this year.
The period drama, which will be aired next year, is centred around the rapid rise to power of Sir Thomas Cromwell in the Tudor king's court.
Sir Thomas became a powerful ally to Henry VIII by playing a key part in arranging his divorce from first wife Catherine of Aragon and subsequent marriage to Anne Boleyn.
The key moment in British history lead to the English reformation, prompting the country to leave the Catholic church.
Playing the role of Cromwell is Tony award-winning stage actor Mark Rylance, who previously won Best Featured Actor for his role in William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.
Upstairs Downstairs actress Claire Foy also has a role in the drama, as Anne Boleyn.
The 30-year-old starlet was also pictured in her full period costume on set at the heritage location, which is now in the hands of the National Trust and has remained essentially unchanged for nearly 400 years.
Also starring in the BBC drama is Jonathan Pryce, who is to play Cardinal Wolsey and Anton Lesser as Sir Thomas More.