The Secret Life of... S1:E4

Henry VIII

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

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

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.

Queen Victoria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.