Emmanuelle Chriqui is to do a star turn in the period drama The Borgias from indie producer Take 5 Productions and its British partners.

Chriqui, who has a recurring role in HBO’s Entourage, will perform the role of a Neapolitan princess in the CTV and Showtime drama to be top-lined by Jeremy Irons and Colm Feore.

The Canadian-British co-production, to be directed in part by Jeremy Podeswa and to bow in spring 2011, portrays a powerful and corrupt 15th-century Italian family.

Production is set for Hungary, and post production will be done in Toronto.

The ensemble cast also includes Joanne Whalley, Francois Arnaud, David Oakes, Aidan Alexander and Holliday Grainger.