James Norton goes head to head with Game of Thrones star in epic BBC drama

The BBC has revealed a first look at upcoming historical drama King & Conqueror, which is set to air next month.

In the teaser, James Norton stars as Harold, Earl of Wessex, while Game of Thrones actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau portrays William, Duke of Normandy.

The drama will see the pair battle for the throne alongside their respective wives, Edith Swan-neck (Emily Beecham) and Matilda (Clémence Poésy).

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The trailer also features allies and enemies such as King Edward (Eddie Marsan), Lady Emma (Juliet Stevenson), Morcar (Elander Moore), Gytha (Clare Holman), Tostig (Luther Ford), Queen Gunhild (Bo Bragason) and Godwin (Geoff Bell).

King & Conqueror is the story of a clash that defined the future of a country – and a continent – for a thousand years, the roots of which stretch back decades and extend out through a pair of interconnected family dynasties, struggling for power across two countries and a raging sea.

Harold of Wessex and William of Normandy were two men destined to meet at the Battle of Hastings in 1066; two allies with no design on the English throne, who found themselves forced by circumstance and personal obsession into a war for possession of its crown.

The series is made up of eight 60 minute episodes and will also star Jean-Marc Barr as King Henry, Elliott Cowan as Sweyn, Bjarne Henriksen as Earl Siward, Oliver Masucci as Baldwin, Indy Lewis as Margaret, Jason Forbes as Thane Thomas, Ingvar Sigurdsson as Fitzosbern, Ines Asserson as Judith, Sveinn Ólafur Gunnarsson as Hardrada and Léo Legrand as Odo.

New key art for the series shows a black and white image of Harold with a determined look on his face while William stands behind him, poised for battle.

BBC viewers were quick to comment on the teaser for the series, with one writing: "I hope they include the part where William had Harold buried on the beach, to guard the English shore.

'I always found that quite touching, like a mark of his respect for such a great warrior."

Another added: "The story of William the Conqueror; updated for a modern audience," while a third penned: "Bout damn time they dropped this trailer. They been talking about this show for a year and a half."

Someone else shared: "Hopefully, this show will fulfill how I missed Vikings," as another added: "First i have heard of this but it seems really promising."

King & Conqueror comes to BBC later this year.