When Netflix's The Crown announced Olivia Colman would take on the monumental role of Queen Elizabeth for its third season, it was met with both excitement and apprehension. The British actress, known for her powerful performances in shows like Broadchurch, has a big pair of shoes to fill—Claire Foy's portrayal of the monarch was nothing short of iconic. But if you ask Olivia, she's not just up for the challenge; she’s diving into it headfirst, with a little help from her predecessor.

Learning From the Best: Olivia Colman’s Tribute to Claire Foy

Olivia Colman isn’t shy about her admiration for Claire Foy. In a recent interview with Radio Times, she admitted that stepping into Claire's role is no small feat. “She’s absolutely brilliant, and it’s a very hard act to follow,” Olivia confessed. Despite the pressure, Olivia revealed that the producers of The Crown arranged a meeting between the two actresses to ensure a smooth transition. This gesture allowed Olivia to glean insights into the nuances of playing the Queen, including mastering that impeccable accent.

“The folks behind the scenes—let’s call them the grown-ups—put us in touch so I could pick her brain,” Olivia explained. “And let me tell you, Claire was nothing but kind and generous with her advice. She’s one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met, and she’s so talented. I feel incredibly lucky to have had her guidance.”

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A Royal Fan Club: Ed Sinclair’s Love for The Crown

It turns out Olivia isn’t the only one in awe of Claire Foy’s performance. Her husband, actor Ed Sinclair, is also a huge fan of The Crown. “He’s completely smitten with the show,” Olivia joked. “Every time Claire Foy appears on screen, he gets this dreamy look in his eyes and says, ‘Oh, she’s amazing.’ It’s adorable, really.”

Olivia’s appreciation for the series runs deep, too. “Watching the first season was pure bliss because I had no idea I’d eventually be part of it,” she recalled. “But when the second season came around, I realized the pressure was on. I’ve got some big footsteps to follow, and I’m determined to do them justice.”

What’s Next for The Crown?

As of now, Olivia Colman is the only official addition to the cast for the upcoming season. While details remain scarce, she shared that filming won’t begin until July. “I don’t know much about what’s coming up yet,” she admitted. “They told me I could do it, so I’m holding them to that promise.”

Fans are buzzing with speculation over who will join Olivia in the new lineup. Will Helena Bonham Carter step into the role of Princess Margaret? Who will portray Camilla Parker Bowles and Princess Diana? And what about Prince Philip? Although Paul Bettany initially considered reprising the role, scheduling conflicts may lead to a recast. For now, the mystery remains, adding an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming season.