BBCs Wolf Hall drama draws in over four million viewers during its first week - eclipsing viewing figures for classic soaps EastEnders and Emmerdale

It seems TV viewers prefer the antics of a real-life Queen of England to the regulars in the Queen Vic pub.

The BBC’s new series of Wolf Hall which centres on the romance between King Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour has beaten some of Britain’s most popular soap operas in the TV ratings.

Figures produced by the ratings organisation Barb show that the first episode of the new series which launched on Sunday 10 November pulled in just over four million viewers during its first week on air.

That meant it performed better than all nine episodes of EastEnders and Emmerdale shown during the equivalent period.

Wolf Hall: the Mirror and the Light which stars Damian Lewis as King Henry VIII, Kate Philips as his new bride Jane, and Sir Mark Rylance as the scheming Thomas Cromwell is currently ranked number 16 in the television ratings.

That compares with the highest rated episode of Emmerdale which is ranked at number 18 and the best performing episode of EastEnders which is at number 24.

This new series of Wolf Hall, which is based on the novel by the late Dame Hilary Mantel, centres on the last four years in the life of Thomas Cromwell.

The six part drama which is based on actual events which occurred between 1536 and 1540 may hold few actual surprises for viewers, but it has all the hallmarks of a classic soap.

Charlie Rowe as Gregory Cromwell in the BBCs Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light

The series stars stars Damian Lewis as King Henry VIII, The first episode of the new series which launched on Sunday 10 November pulled in just over four million viewers during its first week on air, figures show

King Henry VIII is the archetypal abusive husband at the head of a highly dysfunctional family while Cromwell is the ultimate dramatic villain.

The drama which began with the bloody execution of Anne Boleyn played by Claire Foy is also top heavy with sexual indiscretions, illicit liaisons and murderous deeds

Fans of the show which will air its third episode tonight (Sunday) have no doubt why the show is such a hit.

Lord Michael Dobbs who is himself no stranger to political intrigue having written the House of Cards trilogy of novels said: ‘It’s great storytelling and spectacularly produced - Mark Rylance’s silent stares are captivating. It’s all kings and cardinals and codpieces in such glorious detail - what’s not to love?’

He added: ‘It also weaves in that timeless truth about the perils of power - the higher you climb, the greater the thud with which your body will hit the ground. We know how it’s all going to end, and we can’t wait to wash our hands in it.’

The celebrated historian Lord Andrew Roberts believed the show’s unique take on Cromwell was a crucial part of its success.

He said: ‘The success of the Wolf Hall trilogy confirms the fact that the British people love history, especially the Tudor period and especially when it is as well told and acted as this has been. Presenting Thomas Cromwell as a hero is also satisfyingly revisionist.’

Agnes OCasey and Lilit Lesser as Meg Douglas and Princess Mary respectively. The new series, based on the novel by the late Dame Hilary Mantel, centres on the last four years in the life of Thomas Cromwell

Historian Lucy Worsley said: one thing I think people dont appreciate about Wolf Hall is that its a story about meritocracy (ie about society today) as well as being set in the past. 

Hilary Mantel was inspired by a generation of historians - particularly Geoffrey Elton - whod been grammar schoolboys, and who liked the idea that the Tudor equivalent of a grammar schoolboy - Cromwell - could make good. 

But then it seemed also to make sense to them that the Establishment would close ranks against him and push him out when he rose too high!

Wolf Hall has not yet, however, managed to overtake Coronation Street in the ratings.

Corrie’s most popular episode was ranked number eleven with 4.4 million viewers.