'The Hour': Episode one in pictures

The Hour finally hits our screens next week, so what better way to start getting excited than by examining some photographs from the episode?

You can tell from the snaps that the show is absolutely gorgeous, but don't worry - it's got a cracking story as well! Freddie (Ben Whishaw) and Bel (Romola Garai) are starting a new current affairs show on television - along with suave host Hector (Dominic West).

But if you've heard that this is the UK's version of Mad Men, forget it. Yes, it's beautiful and well-made, it's set in the past, everyone smokes and drinks, and there's a fair amount of casual sexism, but there's murder, intrigue and conspiracy to get stuck into as well...

Take a look at our gallery below to see some pictures from the first episode of The Hour!

The Hour begins on Tuesday, July 19 at 9pm on BBC Two.