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'The Crown' to end after fifth season with Imelda Staunton as the Queen

Danny Thompson
·Contributor
·2 min read
ROMA, ITALY - 2019/10/19: Imelda Staunton during the red carpet for the movie "Downton Abbey" for the third day of the Rome Film Fest. (Photo by Matteo Nardone/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Imelda Staunton during the red carpet for the movie "Downton Abbey" for the third day of the Rome Film Fest. (Photo by Matteo Nardone/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Popular Netflix show The Crown will conclude at the end of the fifth series with Imelda Staunton to play the Queen, reveals show writer and creator Peter Morgan.

The series was met with huge acclaim upon release of its first two seasons, which saw Claire Foy playing a young Queen Elizabeth II.

However, the warmth towards the show declined for the eagerly anticipated third season, which saw Olivia Colman replace Foy.

Read more: Gillian Anderson and The Crown's Peter Morgan: It would end our relationship if we lived together

With Colman in place for season four, it has now been announced she will be replaced by Staunton for the fifth and final outing of the series.

Of the plans, Morgan said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to confirm Imelda Staunton as Her Majesty the Queen for the fifth and final season, taking The Crown into the 21st century. Imelda is an astonishing talent and will be a fantastic successor to Claire Foy and Olivia Colman.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Erin Doherty, Helena Bonham Carter, and Olivia Colman attend the Peter Morgan Tribute during "The Crown" Premiere at AFI FEST 2019 Presented By Audi at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 16, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for AFI)
Erin Doherty, Helena Bonham Carter, and Olivia Colman attend the Peter Morgan Tribute during "The Crown" Premiere at AFI FEST 2019 Presented By Audi at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 16, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for AFI)

“At the outset I had imagined The Crown running for six seasons but now that we have begun work on the stories for season five it has become clear to me that this is the perfect time and place to stop. I’m grateful to Netflix and Sony for supporting me in this decision.”

Cindy Holland, the Netflix vice-president of original content, said: “I fully support Peter Morgan’s creative decision and am excited to see how he, Imelda Staunton and the cast and crew of season five bring this landmark series to a fitting and spectacular end.”

Read more: The Crown producer says Megxit drama unlikely to make the show

Staunton received huge praise and an Oscar nomination for her role in Vera Drake, though younger fans may recognise her from her role as Delores Umbridge in the Harry Potter franchise.

Staunton, 64, said: “I have loved watching The Crown from the very start. As an actor it was a joy to see how both Claire Foy and Olivia Colman brought something special and unique to Peter Morgan’s scripts.

“I am genuinely honoured to be joining such an exceptional creative team and to be taking The Crown to its conclusion.”

The Crown is available to view on Netflix now.