High society, low blows! Meet Margaret, Duchess of Argyll (Claire Foy), and Ian Campbell, the 11th Duke of Argyll (Paul Bettany), whose ugly divorce in 1960s England set a new standard for, well, scandal. Here’s why we couldn’t get enough of the three-parter, A Very British Scandal, which premieres April 22.
(Credit: Alan Peebles/Amazon Studios)
1. The chemistry.
Before the blue bloods’ union devolves into hate and spite, the duke (whom exec producer Delyth Scudamore calls a “sexy monster”) and duchess share a passion that practically ignites on the screen.
2. The underhanded behavior.
In a fit of frustration, Margaret forges a letter from Ian’s ex-wife implying that his children were fathered by another man. Later, he steals nude photos of Margaret from her and submits them as evidence at their explosive and headline-grabbing divorce trial.
3. Foy’s performance.
The Emmy-winning former star of The Crown gives another award-worthy turn, balancing fragility and ferocity. Says Scudamore, “You feel her vulnerability even whilst she’s delivering the most steely retort.”
A Very British Scandal, Season Premiere, Friday, April 22, Prime Video