There are new characters being cast for Queen Elizabeth's English court in "Reign" Season 3, reports Spoiler TV.

The English court characters are as follows:

Amy Dudley. Her maiden name is Amy Robsart; she's the daughter of a Norfolk squire. She married Robert Dudley. Amy is worried about her marriage because Robert spends much of his time with Queen Elizabeth. While he assures her that they are only friends, rumors suggest a love affair. Amy fights to keep her marriage alive.

Robert Dudley. He is married to Amy Dudley, and a favorite friend of Queen Elizabeth. Robert has known Elizabeth since they were children. Both keep secrets known only to them. While he tries to move on from his past with her, Elizabeth uses her power to keep him close.

There is also a character recast for the French Court:

Charles IX of France. The role of Charles IX is being recast to give the character a major presence in Season 3, according to Spoiler TV. Fans may remember the character appearing in Season 1 but not appearing in Season 2.

Charles is next in line to the throne of France. Mischievous and a party boy, he has returned from Spain to be taught by Francis. Francis has a difficult time preparing Charles for the throne because the rascal is not interested in learning.

In addition to the information about new characters for "Reign" Season 3, it seems the 22 episodes that The CW originally ordered for the upcoming season have been reduced days before production is to begin.

Spoiler TV reports that ACTRA Toronto is now listing "Reign" production dates as beginning on June 30 and ending on Dec. 2, which is far shorter than a full season. The second season filmed from July 2014 until April 2015.

Torrance Coombs, the actor who plays Sebastian, confirmed that the production will start June 30 on Twitter earlier this month.

Could an end date of Dec. 2 mean the season has been cut in half? Spoiler TV did not elaborate. The shorter production dates could be due to a planned Christmas hiatus for the popular series.

Watch the short video released by The CW in which executive producer Laurie McCarthy teases what drama awaits Mary, Queen of Scots, and Queen Elizabeth in the upcoming season.

Click here to read more exciting "Reign" spoilers.