Epic Sky One drama tells Augustus story

Emily Blunt

A six-part drama series telling the life story of the Roman Emperor Augustus will begin later this month on Sky One.

The show is billed as "visually stunning" and its international cast includes Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada), Santiago Cabrera (Heroes) and Jonathan Cake (First Knight).

Sky said: "Empire is an epic drama bringing to life the fate of the entire Roman Empire and arguably one of the most significant figures in modern history, Octavius - the boy destined to become Emperor Augustus."

The story sees Octavius (Cabrera) overcome adversaries to fulfil the dying wish of his uncle, Julius Caesar, that he rule the empire.

Empire will air on Thursday nights from June 26 on both Sky One and Sky One HD.