Imelda Staunton’s husband confirms she will succeed Olivia Colman as The Queen in The Crown season 5
IMELDA Staunton’s husband has confirmed she will succeed Olivia Colman as The Queen in The Crown.
In November last year, The Sun exclusively revealed the 64-year-old Vera Drake actress would be taking over the role of the Monarch in seasons five and six of the hit Netflix show.
While Netflix said the news was just "speculation", Imelda's name continues to be linked to the show and now her husband, Jim Carter, has appeared to confirm the reports.
Asked by The Times Magazine what it was like to be married to royalty, the Downton Abbey actor replied: "Thankfully I don't have to start bowing to her for another two years, so I have plenty of time to practise."
However Imelda herself is keeping tight lipped about her involvement, telling the publication when asked: "I can't discuss anything to do with that."
The Crown cast completely changes every two seasons to reflect the different decades and ageing of the Royal Family.
Claire Foy and Matt Smith started out as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, while the roles are currently played by Olivia, 46, and Tobias Menzies.
A source told The Sun in November: "Imelda was given the role of the Queen last year but it’s been kept under lock and key.
"She’s acting royalty so is a perfect fit, but there were a couple of other points which gave her the edge against others in the running.
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"Imelda will be the same age as the queen was in the early ‘90s, which is when the fifth series will be set.
"Plus Imelda met the Queen in person at her 90th birthday celebration – so she’ll be the only actress who’s played the role in The Crown to do so.
"Imelda has reached out to Olivia about the role and they’re helping one another.";
The Crown seasons 1-3 are available to stream on Netflix now.