Olivia Colman, 45, attended the world premiere of The Crown series three on Wednesday evening at Curzon Mayfair in west London. She will replace Claire Foy as Her Majesty in the new episodes as the characters grow older.
The hit show is set to return to Netflix on Sunday with a whole new cast, including the likes of Josh O’Connor as Prince Charles, Jason Watkins as former Prime Minister Harold Wilson and Erin Doherty as Princess Anne.
Speaking to The Radio Times ahead of the premiere, The Favourite star said she channeled her predecessor, Claire, for the first couple of weeks and “fell in love” with the Queen, saying the TV show had changed her view of the monarchy.
“I think I was doing an impression of Claire for the first couple of weeks’ filming, definitely channelling her, but then I just started to do what the script says and I’ve fallen in love with the Queen … She’s changed my views on everything.”
And, creator Peter Morgan said that he had “no doubt” Olivia would pull off the role as Her Majesty the Queen.
READ MORE: Why Prince Philip has been ‘victimised’ by The Crown
“She’s amazing to watch,” he said as he described how he wanted the transition of the new cast to be “seamless”.
Olivia attended the glitzy gathering last night dressed in a striking black fishtail gown as she posed alongside co-stars, Helena Bonham Carter and Tobias Menzies.
She exuded glamour as the Oscar-winning star stunned in her floor-length ensemble, featuring short sleeves and a long train which she picked up and held throughout her red carpet appearance.
She paired a satin emerald clutch with the outfit and silver drop earrings, as her short hair was styled and swept across her forehead.
With the time difference, fans will see a more prominent role from Prince Charles who is played by God’s Own Country star Josh O’Connor.
Speaking on the role he said: “Here is a man, who, for his life to take meaning and importance, has mother had to die.”
He called it a “monumental and philosophical” sign to have to go through and learn.
Viewers will see him grow with the introduction of his relationship with the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker-Bowles played by Emma Corrin.
In the interview, she spoke about the regard she had for the “extraordinary woman,” she was portraying.
“She’s the breadwinner,’ she said.
“She’s the one on our coins and banknotes. Prince Philip has to walk behind her. She fixed cars in the second world war.
“She insisted on driving a king who came from a country where women weren’t allowed to drive [King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, at Balmoral in 1998]. She’s no shrinking violet.”
The Crown season three returns to Netflix this Sunday.