Filming for the programme has already begun, and as well as Thompson, will feature the return of comedians David Mitchell as Shakespeare and Harry Enfield as his father. Noel Fielding is also set to make an appearance as Thomas Morley, as well as a host of other familiar faces.

The show, which sees Shakespeare juggle life between his home in Stratford-upon-Avon and the rather more frantic London stage, has plenty in store for the Bard, including a trip to Verona, problems with coach cancellations and difficult teenage daughters.

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There will also be episodes centring around the real stories behind Shakespeare’s famous plays, including Othello and Romeo and Juliet.

Shakespeare’s meeting with the Queen will see him presenting an early draft of Twelfth Night, under the working title Eighth Night.

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