The Life and Loves of Lillie Langtry

Episode 15 — Where It All Began — At the reading of Lillie Langtry’s will, Matilde learns of her mistress’s generosity and resolves to honour her with a marble bust that remains in St Saviour’s churchyard, Jersey. Matilde – Jane Wakeham. Lady Malcolm – Victoria du Val. Solicitor – Tim Swinton. Lillie – Tessa Coleman. King Edward VII – John Nettles. Artie Jones – Allan Gardner. Other parts are play...

Episode 14 — Truth Will Out — Hounded by the press, Lady Malcolm seeks refuge with Matilde and recalls her mother’s own persecution. After being hospitalised by a lover and shunned by society, Lillie turns again to Bertie for help. Oscar Wilde is imprisoned, and Ned Langtry dies in an asylum. Matilde – Jane Wakeham. Lillie – Tessa Coleman. Lady Malcolm – Victoria du Val. Bertie Prince of Wales – J...

Episode 13 — The Green-Eyed Monster — The press attacks Lillie’s daughter, reviving painful memories of deception and jealousy. Lillie’s possessive admirers grow increasingly dangerous as her flirtations push events beyond control. Matilde – Jane Wakeham. Lillie – Tessa Coleman. Lady Malcolm – Vicky du Val. Mrs Le Breton – Carole Owens. Oscar Wilde – Guy Browning. Bertie Prince of Wales – John Net...

Episode 12 — New Frontiers — Lady Malcolm invites Matilde to stay while awaiting the will reading. As their relationship softens, they recall Lillie’s American success and Lady Malcolm’s childhood memories. Lillie – Tessa Coleman. Lady Malcolm – Vicky du Val. Charles Gebhard – Mick McCarthy. Oscar Wilde – Guy Browning. Freddie Gebhard – Richard Pedley. Henrietta – Andrea Earl. Jean Marie – Victori...

Episode 11 — Taking Centre Stage — Bound by the will to remain in Jersey, Matilde reflects on Lillie’s attempt to rebuild her life after the secret birth. Oscar Wilde introduces her to the stage, while Ned Langtry returns seeking money through blackmail. Lillie ultimately sets her sights on America. Matilde – Jane Wakeham. Lady Malcolm – Vicky Du Val. Patsy – Gabrielle Robbe. Lillie – Tessa Colema...

Episode 10 — The Hidden Child — On the day of Lillie’s funeral, Matilde confronts her mistress’s greatest secret — an estranged daughter of uncertain parentage. The Prince of Wales offers support during the pregnancy but is met with Lillie’s fury and denial. Matilde Peat – Jane Wakeham. Lady Malcolm – Vicky du Val. Bertie Prince of Wales – John Nettles. Artie – Allan Gardner. Mrs Le Breton – Carol...

Episode 9 — Fall From Grace — At the end of her journey, Matilde reflects on Lillie’s first great scandal — court appearances, humiliation, and the Prince of Wales’s displeasure. Comfort is found in the arms of his nephew before Princess Alexandra arrives with unexpected news. Matilde Peat – Jane Wakeham. Mrs Falle – Karen Syvret. Lillie – Tessa Coleman. Bertie Prince of Wales – John Nettles. Pats...

Episode 8 — When Love Finally Falls — Lillie’s coffin reaches St Saviour’s Church in Jersey. Flowers from across the world prompt memories of her dangerous allure. The Prince of Wales intervenes in a volatile situation and arranges her presentation at court. Later, facing bankruptcy, another prince enters her life. Matilde Peat – Matilde Peat. Lillie – Tessa Coleman. Funeral Director – Terry Arthu...

Episode 7 — No Turning Back — Approaching snowy Jersey, Matilde fears no one will greet Lillie’s coffin. She remembers an earlier homecoming filled with scandal and confrontation, culminating in a decisive moment for Lillie and a clash with her philandering father. Matilda Peat – Jane Wakeham. Ferry Captain – Mick McCarthy. Lillie – Tessa Coleman. Dean of Jersey – Michael Blackie. Mrs Le Breton –...

Episode 6 — Reaping What You Sow — At St Malo docks, Matilde reads Lillie’s old love letters and recalls the turbulent marriage she endured. Surrounded by competing admirers, Lillie once again inflames passions, while the Prince of Wales presents her with an unexpected introduction to his wife. Matilda Peat – Jane Wakeham. Lillie – Tessa Coleman. Guard – Mick McCarthy. Ned Langtry – Richard Pedley...

Episode 5 — Fit for a Prince — A blizzard halts Matilde’s journey. Reading Wilde’s poetry, she remembers Lillie’s rise as the talk of London and her fateful meeting with the Prince of Wales, beginning a lifelong and passionate affair. Matilde Peat – Jane Wakeham. Guard 1 – Mick McCarthy. Guard 2 – Ewan Davies. Oscar Wilde – Guy Browning. Ned Langtry – Richard Pedley. Patsy Cornwallis West – Gabrie...

Episode 4 — All Heads Are Turned — News of Lillie’s death makes the French front pages. Matilde reflects on the height of Lillie’s London fame, when artists and writers circled around her and Oscar Wilde championed them both into the world of royalty and palaces. Matilde Peat – Jane Wakeham. Young Guard – Ewan Davies. Mrs Chambers – Karen Syvret. Ned Langtry – Richard Pedley. Lillie – Tessa Colema...

Episode 3 — A Marriage of Convenience — Even in death Lillie remains the subject of gossip as her coffin travels through France. Matilde recalls her youth, trapped in a loveless marriage, and her escape into London society where her beauty captures attention — particularly that of Oscar Wilde. Matilde Peat – Jane Wakeham. Lillie – Tessa Coleman. Artie Jones – Alan Gardner. Ned Langtry – Richard Pe...

Episode 2 — The Final Journey — As Matilde begins the long journey back to Jersey with her employer’s coffin, she reflects on Lillie’s early life, particularly her meeting and marriage to Edward Langtry — a match strongly opposed by elements of her family. Matilde – Jane Wakeham. Lillie – Tessa Coleman. Mrs Le Breton – Carole Owens. Guard 1 – Adam Stirling. Guard 2 – Mick McCarthy. Guard 3 – Ewan...

Episode 1 — Death in Monaco — In 1929 the legendary actress, mistress and beauty Lillie Langtry lies dying in Monaco, her thoughts returning to her Jersey childhood and the discovery of her family’s shameful secret, the consequences of which shape the course of her life. Her maid Matilde promises to return Lillie’s coffin to her beloved island home. Matilda Peat – Jane Wakeham. Lillie – Tessa Cole...