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A Very British Scandal cast: Who stars in the BBC One drama?

A VERY British Scandal is the new three-part series coming to BBC One, that will focus on the drama-filled divorce of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll in the 1960s.

The much anticipated series was written by Sarah Phelps who said she wanted it to be a tribute to the Duchess, as she "felt strongly that she'd been punished for being a woman, for being visible, for refusing to back down."

A Very British Scandal is the new mini-series coming to BBC One.
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A Very British Scandal is the new mini-series coming to BBC One.Credit: BBC

Who stars in the BBC One drama?

Claire Foy is Margaret Campbell (Duchess of Argyll)

Known for playing Queen Elizabeth 11, Claire Foy will play the role of Margaret, Duchess of Argyll.
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Known for playing Queen Elizabeth 11, Claire Foy will play the role of Margaret, Duchess of Argyll.Credit: BBC

Claire Foy is a 37-year-old English actor from Stockport.

The Emmy and Golden Globe winner is best known for playing Queen Elizabeth II in the first two series of The Crown, so she is no stranger to playing roles of historical significance.

She is also known for roles in The Girl in the Spider's Web, Wolf Hall and Unsane (the film shot entirely on an iPhone 7 Plus).

Her role in A Very British Scandal is Margaret Campbell, the Duchess of Argyll, who was a British socialite most remembered for her scandalous divorce from her second husband.

On playing the iconic Margaret, Foy said she is excited "to explore through this story, how often shame, judgement and controversy surrounds a woman’s sexuality."

Paul Bettany is Ian Campbell (11th Duke of Argyll)

The Marvel universe actor will play Ian Campbell - Duke of Argyll.
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The Marvel universe actor will play Ian Campbell - Duke of Argyll.Credit: BBC

Paul Bettany is a 50-year-old English actor from Harlesden, London.

Marvel fans will be excited by the announcement, as Bettany is best known for playing J.A.R.V.I.S/Vision in the Marvel cinematic universe films.

His role in the series is Ian Campbell, 11th Duke of Argyll, who was the great-grandson of George Campbell, 8th Duke of Argyll.

In a statement Bettany said "I’m delighted to be working with the remarkable Claire Foy to tell the fascinating and scandalous story of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll and their very complicated lives."

Julia Davis is Maureen (Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava)

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Julia Davis is a 55-year-old English comedian, actor, writer and director from Lambeth, London.

She is best known for her role in the BBC Three comedy Nighty Night and Gavin And Stacey - which began on BBC Three and was later moved to BBC One.

Her role in the series is Maureen, Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava, who was an Anglo/Irish socialite known as one of the "Guinness Golden Girls".

Richard McCabe

Richard McCabe with his Tony in 2015
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Richard McCabe with his Tony in 2015Credit: AP:Associated Press

Richard McCabe has starred in numerous British TV series including Poldark, as Mr Trencrom, and Justice Cunliffe.

The 61-year-old starred as Peter Westbourne in Collateral in 2019 and Colonel Jackson in The English Game.

McCabe won a Tony for his performance in The Audience in 2015.

It is not yet known who McCabe in portraying in A Very British Scandal.

Camilla Rutherford

Camilla Claude Rutherford joins the cast
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Camilla Claude Rutherford joins the castCredit: PA

Camilla Claude Rutherford is a 45-year-old English actor from Camden, London.

She is known for her roles in Robert Altman's Gosford Park, The Edge of Love, Vanity Fair and BBC's Rome.

Born to Elizabeth and Malcolm Rutherford - a Financial Times journalist and sometime advisor to Margaret Thatcher - she studied maths at Newcastle University before dropping out to pursue a modelling career.

Miles Jupp

Comedian Miles Jupp is starring in the drama
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Comedian Miles Jupp is starring in the dramaCredit: Getty

Miles Hugh Barrett Jupp is a 42-year-old English actor and comedian from Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Best known for his roles in Johnny English Reborn, Sherlock Holmes and Grimsby, he actually started out as a stand-up comedian.

He won the So You Think You're Funny? Leicester Comedian of the Year in 2001, and worked as a cricket correspondent for BBC Scotland, during an England cricket tour to India.

Who else is in the cast?

Although it has not been revealed who will play who besides the Duke, Duchess and Maureen, a cast list has been confirmed.

This includes Phoebe Nicholls, Amanda Drew, Timothy Renouf, Sophia Myles, Sophie Ward, Tim Steed and Katherine Manners.

Joining them in the cast are Richard Goulding, Jonathan Aris, Oliver Chris and Nicholas Rowe

Read more on the Irish Sun

When is A Very British Scandal on the BBC?

A Very British Scandal begins on Boxing Day at 9pm on BBC One.

All episodes will be made available on BBC iPlayer after the airing of the first episode.

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