The Secret Life of...

45min

Documentary

This brand new and exclusive 14-part series lifts the lid on established and renowned superstars from history to reveal their secret lives. But Secret Life Of… is a biography with a difference – with its tongue firmly in its cheek, it deliciously dishes the dirt on icons of the past, including Henry VIII, Marie Antoinette and Napoleon.

Episodes

Cast

Henry VIII

1. Henry VIII

25min

31st Jul 2012

Discover some unusual facts about notable historical figures. Henry VIII gained infamy as a wife-killing tyrant, but he was also a noted wrestler, poet and musician.

Napoleon

2. Napoleon

25min

7th Aug 2012

Napoleon was a mighty French general, but did you know he was also a geek and an early spin doctor? And find out more about his antics in the sack in the mischievous history series.

Queen Elizabeth

3. Queen Elizabeth

25min

14th Aug 2012

Lesser-known facts about major historical figures. Elizabeth I was a fiery, passionate monarch who had a host of suitors, but only one true love - and no, it wasn't Blackadder.

Caligula

4. Caligula

25min

21st Aug 2012

The Roman Emperor Caligula staged decadent banquets, watched torturing as he ate and had affairs with his senators' wives. Learn more about this tyrannical ruler today.

Queen Victoria

5. Queen Victoria

25min

28th Aug 2012

We are very amused at this cheeky series of quirky historical biographies. Queen Victoria was a passionate figure behind closed doors, with a love shack on the Isle of Wight.

Alexander the Great

6. Alexander the Great

25min

4th Sep 2012

Alexander the Great conquered the world by the time he was 25 - but did he do it all while drunk? Find out in this terrifically tongue-in-cheek history series.

Lord Byron

7. Lord Byron

25min

11th Sep 2012

This playboy Romantic poet had a flair for fashion and a love of travel, but is perhaps best known for his sordid and complex love life. Hear about the eventful life of Lord Byron.

The Borgias

8. The Borgias

25min

18th Sep 2012

The decadent Borgia family produced three popes and yet were suspected of committing a host of crimes - including murder by arsenic poisoning. Hear about their unsavoury history.

Marie Antoinette

9. Marie Antoinette

25min

25th Sep 2012

She was the gambling addict who enjoyed a life of luxury, but the mob grew angry at her decadent ways. Learn more about this iconic Queen of excess who had her cake and ate it.

Casanova

10. Casanova

25min

2nd Oct 2012

X-rated history series. Giacomo Casanova's name is still synonymous with seduction. Find out more about this 18th century womaniser who charmed his way into high society.

Marquis de Sade

11. Marquis de Sade

25min

9th Oct 2012

The Marquis de Sade was a complex man, a revolutionary philosopher and a sexual deviant who spent a lot of his existence in jail. Hear more about his life story in this racy biopic.

Mata Hari

12. Mata Hari

25min

16th Oct 2012

The glamorous Mata Hari was a Dutch exotic dancer who moonlighted as a German spy in World War I. Hear all about this iconic historical figure in the engaging biographical series.

Catherine the Great

13. Catherine the Great

25min

23rd Oct 2012

Catherine the Great was a powerful woman, ruling the Russian empire for over 30 years. But just how close was she to her horse? Hear about her secrets in this brassy biography.

Louis XIV

14. Louis XIV

25min

30th Oct 2012

Louis XIV's reign over France lasted an astonishing 72 years. What were the secrets to his longevity? Find out in the series that dishes the dirt on key historical characters.

First air date

31st Jul 2012

Last air date

30th Oct 2012

Status

Ended

Type

Miniseries

Original language

en

Networks