Season three of Succession, starring Brian Cox, is finally available to watch in the UK and many critics are saying the acclaimed TV show is based on Oxfordshire resident Rupert Murdoch.

The show, from Peep Show creator Jesse Armstrong, concerns the feuding of the Roys as they vie to take over the family’s media empire.

Since the first season in 2019 viewers have speculated about which media empire the Roy family is based on.

Some have guessed it was inspired by the Redstones, the Trumps, or the Hearsts.

But many say the similarities between the Roys and the Murdochs are uncanny.

Witney Gazette: Logan Roy is thought to be inspired by Rupert MurdochLogan Roy is thought to be inspired by Rupert Murdoch

Rupert Murdoch's £30 million Cotswold mansion in Great Tew, which he reportedly bought last year, is remarkably similar to the baronial stately home where the Roys stay when they're in Britain.

The newspaper magnate, 89, and his wife Jerry Hall, 63, bought the manor to do up at a reported cost of £30million.

The move is not expected to be for several years because the centuries-old manor house is derelict.

Witney Gazette: Rupert Murdoch and his wife Jerry HallRupert Murdoch and his wife Jerry Hall

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Reports say the couple plan to replace their roof with a dome, echoing the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.

The Murdochs currently have a mansion in Henley but if they do move they will be closer to two of his children.

James Murdoch owns the rectory at Broughton and Elisabeth used to own Burford Priory.

It is reported she is currently building a sprawling new home costing "tens of millions" on the edge of the Cotswolds.

Witney Gazette: Great Tew Manor pictured in 2016Great Tew Manor pictured in 2016

The renovation project at Great Tew is "enormous" but no expense will be spared restoring the crumbling plasterwork and damaged masonry, the Mail on Sunday and Mail Online said.

In 2019 local residents were angered when it was agreed that as part of planning permission for the controversial Mullin Automotive Museum at Enstone Airfield, £11 million would be devoted to restoration of the manor through a Section 106 agreement.

This is a legal agreement between local authorities and developers linked to planning permissions and can also be known as planning obligations.

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Most were furious that the money was going towards the renovation of the manor, owned by a wealthy estate, rather than other improvements for the community, the Banbury Guardian reported.

The first episode of Succession aired on Monday night on Sky Atlantic HD at 9pm. 

Seasons one and two are available to catch up now on Sky On-Demand and NOW if you have a NOW Entertainment membership.

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