Queen Olivia Colman! Star confirmed as replacing Claire Foy in The Crown

Broadchurch star heading for the throne

Olivia Colman will take over the reins from Claire Foy to portray The Queen in hit Netflix series The Crown, it's been officially confirmed.

The Broadchurch star, 43, will play Queen Elizabeth II in seasons three and four of the show, which are expected to be released in 2019.

Claire has won a Golden Globe and TV Bafta for her turn as the monarch, whom she has portrayed during the early years of her reign.

She returns to Buckingham Palace in season two, which is due for release in December.

Appearing on The Graham Norton Show, Claire said: “This is the last stint, it’s over, I’m done. I always knew it was only going to be two series and then the part would be reincarnated and someone else takes over.

“That’s the nature of the part.”

Olivia, who won a Golden Globe for her role in BBC hit The Night Manager, will begin filming episodes in 2018.

News of the royal appointment was met with mixed emotions by fans.

Alyssa Campanella said Olivia was an “amazing actress” but added: “I don’t think I will ever be ready to part with Claire Foy.”

Another wrote they adored Claire in the role.

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