The King’s Speech was released in 2010 and met with huge critical acclaim, winning Best Picture at the Oscars the following year

Calling all royal drama fans! The BBC is airing The King’s Speech, starring Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter, on Sunday evening – and it’s the perfect pick for those who love inspiring, heartwarming stories.

Released in 2010, the British historical drama tells the true story of King George VI, the father of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

© Alamy Stock Photo
Colin Firth plays George

Following the abdication of his brother, King Edward VIII, George unexpectedly ascends the throne and must overcome a debilitating speech impediment with the help of unconventional speech therapist Lionel Logue.

The King’s Speech became one of the most successful independent British films of its time, earning 12 Academy Award nominations and winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor. With standout performances from Colin and Helena, this uplifting drama is a must-watch for fans of films like Darkest Hour, The Imitation Game and The Iron Lady.

You may also like

Keep reading to find out more about The King’s Speech, which airs on BBC Two on Sunday at 10pm and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer afterwards.

What is The King’s Speech about?

The story begins after the abdication of King Edward VIII, leaving George in the unexpected position of becoming King just as radio emerges as a powerful mass medium.

The synopsis reads: “As King, he must speak not only to the nation, but to the people of the British Empire, across the world, as war looms. Struggling from childhood with a nervous stammer, George, known to his family as Bertie, the second son of King George V never expected to be King.

© Alamy Stock Photo
The story follows George’s inspiring journey with his speech

“But his older brother, Edward, abdicates the throne to marry the American Wallis Simpson.  George VI’s wife, Queen Elizabeth – the future Queen Mother – is tireless in her belief in him. Having tried all the traditional doctors, they put their faith in the Australian outsider, Logue.

“The film movingly and humorously reveals the relationship of Royal and colonial commoner as they face the abdication crisis then the greatest test of all – the approach of the Second World War. The King must inspire the nation and the Empire on the radio. But will he be able to speak? Will his friendship with Logue save him?”

Who stars in The King’s Speech?

Colin Firth (Bridget Jones’s Diary) leads the movie as King George, while Helena Bonham-Carter (Harry Potter) plays his wife, Queen Elizabeth, and Geoffrey Rush (Pirates of the Caribbean) plays Lionel Logue.

© Alamy Stock Photo
Helena Bonham Carter plays Queen Elizabeth

They’re joined by Jennifer Ehle, Guy Pearce, Michael Gambon, Timothy Spall, Derek Jacobi and Ramona Marquez.

What have viewers said about The King’s Speech?

The movie was received warmly by critics and viewers alike, earning a 94 per cent critics score and 92 per cent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many hailing it as “heartwarming” and “incredible”.

“Amazing, inspiring film with fabulous acting from Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush AND Helena Bonham Carter, all contributing to a masterpiece in film!” penned one viewer, while another said: “Great movie based on real history. Fabulous acting all around. Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush play very well off each other. A must-watch.”

© Getty Images
The King’s Speech is based on the real-life story of King George, the father of Queen Elizabeth II

Meanwhile, a third person added: “The King’s Speech is one of the best movies about the Royal Family I’ve ever seen. The story is well told by actors Colin Firth as King George and Geoffrey Rush as the therapist tasked with helping the King with his speech stammering. The sets and ensemble cast are superb.”

The King’s Speech airs on BBC Two at 10pm on Sunday and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer afterwards.