ALISON BOSHOFF: Marie Antoinette star Emilia Schule, 30, taking a year’s sabbatical to study film directing ahead of BBC drama’s release

Emilia Schule takes centre stage in the £20 million BBC drama Marie Antoinette.

But, shorn of her towering wigs and stripped of her amazing costumes, the German actress has been quietly passing unnoticed in London for some time.

Schule, 30, is taking a year’s sabbatical from acting in order to study film directing at the MetFilm School at Ealing Studios, and has been living in the capital since the autumn, after moving from Berlin.

ALISON BOSHOFF: Marie Antoinette star Emilia Schule is taking a year’s sabbatical to study film directing ahead of the BBC drama’s release (pictured in-character)

She’s more famous in Europe than here, having started acting aged 11.

Before hitting the big time with Marie Antoinette, the Russian-born actress appeared in adverts for Clearasil and Ikea.

Now, she’s called upon to wear Bulgari, Chanel and Dior. Schule will return to acting to make a second and third series of Marie Antoinette, completing the queen’s tragic story.

The eight-show opening series was written by Deborah Davis, who also wrote the Oscar- winning film The Favourite about Queen Anne — and there are lesbian sub-plots in this show, too; but there’ll be no spoilers here.

Surprise: But, shorn of her towering wigs and stripped of her amazing costumes, the German actress has been quietly passing unnoticed in London for some time (pictured last month)

Marie Antoinette arrived at court in Versailles when she was just 14, to be married to the Dauphin, later Louis XVI.

Schule said: ‘People see her as this party girl, and this icon who just cared about wigs and dresses. But we are going to portray her in a much more emancipated and modern way, because that’s what she truly was.’

Bridgerton actor and grandson of Prince Charles of Luxembourg, Louis Cunningham, is also starring in the BBC drama as Louis XVI.

Created and written by Deborah Davis, Marie Antoinette tells the story of the incredibly modern and avant-garde young queen who was barely 14 years old when she left Austria to marry the Dauphin of France.

Talented: Bridgerton actor and grandson of Prince Charles of Luxembourg, Louis Cunningham, is also starring in the BBC drama as Louis XVI (pictured in-character) 

Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisition, BBC, said: ‘Marie Antoinette possesses an enduring fascination and Deborah Davis has a very singular vision for her story – we are truly delighted to be bringing this ambitious project to BBC Two and iPlayer.’

Chris Stewart, SVP Sales, UK & Eire, Banijay Rights, says: ‘Marie Antoinette is an extraordinary fresh new take on one of France’s most iconic – and controversial – figures, filled with stunning scenery, fine performances and epic costumes.

‘Following on from the success of Versailles on BBC Two, we are excited to again bring the extravagance and excitement of French court life to UK viewers.’

The series starts on BBC Two (and will stream on iPlayer) from December 29.

Must watch: The series starts on BBC Two (and will stream on iPlayer) from December 29 (pictured in-character)

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