So they admit, then, that it is a work of fiction. Henry VIII was not at all appealing in old age. And he was somewhat older than the Henry portrayed in the series when he hooked up with Anne Boleyn. It is very confusing, though, to hang a piece of fiction on real historical characters.

Martin, Newmarket, Suffolk

one: maybe someone could duck in and sub the first line so it says Henry III instead of Henry II?

two: I'd go a step further and get rid of the longer hair and moustache of this series - he doesn't look older, just slightly less sexy!

J, nottingham,

I can laugh at this drama because I've got a history degree so know it's wildly inaccurate - for me it works as light entertainment and Rhys Meyers Henry VIII is a bit rock n roll!

Linda, Fife,

I just take it for what it is: a fake Tudor romp like the fake Tudor homes of this country.

But all worth it for the shots of Henry Cavill doing.... well, anything really.

Laura Roberts, London, UK

I cant see the point of it at all, its either history or not history, what they have done is make a completely pointless series, when they could have made a brilliant one just sticking to some basic rules. King Jon struts, shouts and sulks in his Elizabethan breeches and his blue eyed queen simpers

juliana, Batley, yorkshire

Why bother with reality - its the BBC after all!

Henry was tall and athletic, of pale complexion with red hair - thats obviously too British a look for the BBC.

This guy looks nothing like him - with or without a "fat suit" for his later years.

Geoff M, Bromsgove, England

To be fair, back in the day women would have fallen at Henry's feet - because of the King divine right by God etc thing... he did manage 6 wives with a BAD track record after all. So in a time when people question monarchy, we could argue that his 'fitness' replaces the awe missing from modern eyes.

louise, guadalajara, mexico

The appalling thing is that for the majority of viewers, this will be their only knowledge of the life of Henry VIII. So, dramatic effects, good looks and the careers of actors and producers are more important that historical fact. People wonder why the population of the UK has become less educated!

Martin Baldwin-Edwards, Athens, Greece

Doctor Who is the same; none of his successors has looked like the "real" Dr Who, William Hartnell.

Bill Peter, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

It wouldn't matter what they do to Jonathon Rhys Meyers he'd still be absolutely gorgeous. He's a good actor and quite believable as good old Henry 8 even without the red hair!

judy, Liverpool, England