Tudors Keeps its King Trim, Taut and Terrific

Henry VIII was a famously rotund king, but his television alter ego Jonathan Rhys Meyers will keep his abs.

Editorial Review

Fans of period drama The Tudors may have noticed that its depiction of the life of English monarch Henry VIII isn't an entirely accurate representation of history.

The series admits to altering dates, changing key details about historical figures, and that the real-life Henry wasn't quite as good-looking as The Tudors' leading man Jonathan Rhys Meyers.

And it's unlikely that Meyers - who often appears in the series with his body on display - will gain weight for the role in order to look more like the famously rotund Henry. According to the New York Post, Tudors producers have confirmed that their Henry will remain trim.

"We still want [Henry] to be appealing... we don't want to destroy his good looks," said executive producer Morgan O'Sullivan. "An exact portrayal of Henry is not a factor that we think is important."

The Tudors, which was nominated for a Golden Globe award for best drama in 2007, is currently shooting its third season in Ireland. Sultry singer Joss Stone will join the series as Henry's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves.

The Tudors airs in Australia on Showcase.