Versailles to return? BBC downplays reports of renewal
THE BBC has downplayed suggestions that Versailles has been speedily renewed for a second series, after being the steamiest period drama on television.
BBC confirms Versailles will return for a steamy second series
The series shocked BBC Two viewers when it aired two saucy sex scenes within six minutes of the first episode starting.
It has built up a strong fanbase among its viewers, however, and reports late last night suggested it has already been green-lit for another year.
New BBC Two boss Patrick Holland, who has yet to officially step into the role, told The Sun: "Versailles is coming back for a second run. I'm delighted because I think it's great show."
However, a spokesperson has downplayed the report and insisted that no decision on the programme's future has been made just yet.
The show has shocked viewers with its many sex scenes
Versailles- Trailer - BBC Two.mp4
The show has been dubbed the steamiest period drama on televisin
“No final decision had been made as to the future of the show on the channel," a rep told Express.co.uk.
If commissioned, it is thought that the second series will take a short jump into the future.
Set in 1671, four years on, the Sun King's courtesans will start an uprising as they demand more power.
It comes after it was revealed the series lost 650,000 viewers before the first episode had even finished, with around 200,000 allegedly dropping off the radar after the first sex scene just two minutes in.
But producers of the drama insisted the sex scenes are an accurate portrayal of the events which took place.
BBC Two bosses confirmed that it would return for a second outing
The King will face an uprising from his courtesans in the next series
Assistant producer Aude Albano said: "In France we have all been studying Louis XIV since we were at school and we all know that sex and power with Louis XIV really went together.
"We wanted to be faithful to the story we were telling and Louis XIV was a womaniser.”
Versailles continues on Wednesday 20 July on BBC Two at 9pm.