Netflix’s The Crown has, since its inception, deemed itself a royal joy of a series. Whilst again, grabbing itself 13 Emmy nominations last week, the series looks certain to go from strength to strength. So what better way to celebrate its success than with the first look of Olivia Colman – who takes over the crown from Claire Foy – as Queen Elizabeth II for series 3.

Colman will play the role of the British Monarch in both seasons 3 and 4.

The next phase of life behind palace walls will see the Royal Family in the next phase of their lives. Tobias Menzies takes over the role of Prince Phillip from Matt Smith while Helena Bonham Carter has signed up to play Princess Margaret, replacing Vanessa Kirby. Erin Doherty will play Princess Anne, Jason Watkins will play Harold Wilson, and Ben Daniels will portray Antony Armstrong-Jones.

Also in the news – Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone and Jesse Eisenberg all return for Zombieland sequel

The plan is to have the period drama run for six seasons following the Queen’s story throughout her whole life – each season representing a decade. As a result, the plan has always been to shake up the casting every two seasons with older actors taking on the roles.

Multi-award winning The Night Manager actress was last seen in Kenneth Branagh’s Murder on the Orient Express as Hildegarde Schmidt. She will also take up the royal role of Queen Anne in The Lobster’s Yorgos Lanthimos, next feature, The Favourite opposite Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz and Nicholas Hoult.

Season three is currently filming and will see it premiere on Netflix in 2019.