'Beautifully filmed' BBC costume drama is unmissable as fans call for it to be longer

A BBC period drama rooted in an astonishing true story is absolutely unmissable and arrives after audiences have been captivated by a Shakespeare adaptation and a Bronte family saga, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The production chronicled an aristocrat's tale in 18th century England.

One viewer entitled their IMDb review: "Shocking and hilarious true story" and continued: "The fact that this is a true story is so unbelievable.

"Not only was it scandalous for the 18th Century England, it would be quite shocking today.

"This is a handsomely made costume drama beautifully filmed and well acted but the story is so sordid and shocking for the 21st Century."

A 10/10 review observed: "[I] can highly recommend this production which I found as good as any I have seen from the BBC and an enjoyable insight to early modern England and the evolution of gender relations. Worth paying my licence fee for."

A third remarked: "What I liked about the film was the ending, which I won't give away although many who studied history may already know, but the court scenes showing the jury's decision was priceless.

"In all a good watchable film that deserves more credit than many seem to have given it."

Someone else lauded the historical accuracy and entitled their review: "Feels very authentic, delightful to see."

The user added: "So refreshing a period movie that doesn't try to mordernise itself. The music, the costumes, the make-up, the wigs, everything feels very authentic to the period."

"Faithful to the true history behind it, as far as I can tell. I'd love if it was longer, if it explored Lady W's life in France, for example."

The Scandalous Lady W aired in 2015, drawing from American-born British historian and author Hallie Rubenhold's 2008 publication Lady Worsley's Whim.

The BBC drama unfolded in 1781 and chronicled the legal battle featuring affluent heiress Seymour, Lady Worsley (portrayed by Natalie Dormer) and her MP spouse Sir Richard Worsley (Shaun Evans), who pursued her paramour Captain George Bisset (Aneurin Barnard) through the courts after the forbidden couple eloped.

Sir Richard dragged Captain Bisset before the judiciary and sought £20,000 for essentially harm to his wife, who was regarded merely as chattels during this period.

Once proceedings commenced, Sir Richard fabricated details about their union to portray an image of matrimonial harmony.

Captain Bisset faced financial ruin and imprisonment due to the litigation, prompting Lady Worsley to devise a scheme to rescue them both.

Nevertheless, this would require exposing the scandalous reality of her marriage and threatened to destroy her standing in society.

The proceedings would evolve into one of the most notorious sexual controversies of the 18th century.

Alongside the principal cast, The Scandalous Lady W also featured Baby Reindeer actress Jessica Gunning, The Secrets She Keeps star Robert Morgan, His Dark Materials star Will Keen, Oliver Chris of Motherland fame, and Line of Duty's Craig Parkinson, amongst others.

The Scandalous Lady W is streaming on Prime Video for a fee