This evening on the UK's Channel Four Television there is another episode in the series 'The Queen' ' and this time Her Majesty is played by Silksoundbooks star audio book reader Samantha Bond.

The programme examines the early1970's, when Britain came as close to becoming a republic as it has ever done in modern times. Opinion polls recorded the highest figures ever for those who were opposed to the monarchy. For the first time, the royal family was under pressure to be accountable to the people, in terms of how they lived their lives and spent their money. The country was beset with industrial action, rising unemployment, inflation and there was even talk of putting troops on to the streets to calm the situation: the first time this would have happened since the General Strike, nearly half a century earlier.

This is a little-known period of the Queen's reign, and the programme reveals just how much danger she and her family were in and how - ultimately - Her Majesty, with her quiet diplomacy, triumphed.

Samantha, best known for her portrayal of Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond movies, brings all her talents to this formidable role. We're really looking forward to it!