Duration
50 minutes

Quick Summary

JASON WATKINS & LADY JANE GREY: A TOWER OF LONDON SPECIAL - In this ONE‑OFF 5 HD documentary, the actor investigates two family mysteries, probing a possible link to the man who ordered Lady Jane Grey’s execution and an unexpected tie to Jane Austen. A compelling mix of drama and history, this programme offers UK VIEWERS a QUICK OVERVIEW AT A GLANCE, making it a highlight for any British TV or UK television guide.

About This Program

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW JASON WATKINS & LADY JANE GREY: A TOWER OF LONDON SPECIAL is a one‑off, hour‑long 5 HD documentary‑drama that blends investigative journalism with historical reenactment. The programme follows acclaimed actor Jason Watkins as he delves into two intertwined family mysteries – a possible ancestral link to Sir William Cecil, the chief minister who ordered Lady Jane Grey’s execution, and a surprising connection to the literary world of Jane Austen. Designed as a definitive television guide entry for UK viewers, this episode offers full details of Watkins’s personal quest set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Tower of London. WHAT TO EXPECT Viewers will be taken on a meticulously researched journey that alternates between present‑day interviews, archival material and dramatised scenes within the Tower’s ancient walls. The narrative uncovers the political intrigue surrounding the “Nine‑Day Queen” while simultaneously tracing the genealogical trail that may tie Watkins to the very officials who shaped Tudor history. Interwoven with this is a surprising literary thread – a discovery that suggests a distant kinship with the author of Pride and Prejudice, adding a fresh dimension to the drama. The episode balances scholarly insight with emotional storytelling, making it a compelling blend of documentary and drama for British TV audiences. KEY FEATURES - EXCLUSIVE ACCESS: Filmed on location inside the Tower of London, offering viewers never‑before‑seen footage of the historic precincts. - STAR POWER: Jason Watkins brings gravitas and authenticity, drawing on his own acting experience to breathe life into the historical figures he encounters. - HIGH‑PRODUCTION VALUES: 5 HD’s signature quality shines through with cinematic reenactments, period‑accurate costumes, and a richly scored soundtrack. - INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS: The programme includes a digital companion on the BBC iPlayer, allowing UK viewers to explore genealogical records and Tudor archives in greater depth. - ONE‑OFF EVENT: As a standalone episode, it fits neatly into the 5 HD programming schedule, offering a self‑contained narrative without the need for prior viewing. WHY WATCH For discerning UK television viewers who value intelligent entertainment, this special offers an in‑depth review of history, genealogy and literature wrapped in a gripping personal story. It satisfies the appetite for high‑quality British TV drama while delivering the investigative rigor of a documentary, making it a must‑watch for anyone interested in the Tudor era, the legacy of Lady Jane Grey, or the hidden threads that link modern families to the past. The programme’s blend of drama, documentary, and personal discovery exemplifies the best of 5 HD programming, promising an unforgettable hour of compelling, educational entertainment.

Jason Watkins & Lady Jane Grey: A Tower of London Special broadcasts on 5 at 2:00am, Sunday, 21 September 2025. (Subtitles, repeat)