Fans of hit Netflix series The Crown revealed some important news this week, as the streaming service revealed who will take over from Oscar winning actress as Her Majesty the Queen in series five.

British icon Imelda Staunton is set to inherit the role from Colman, who portrayed the Queen in series three and is currently filming for the upcoming fourth season, which is expected to air later this year.

Netflix announced the news on Friday (UK time), telling The Hollywood Reporter that the award-winning series will come to an end next year, with the release of season five.

“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,” Morgan told the news outlet.

Following the news, Imelda also released a statement in which she expressed her excitement at taking over the role, which originated with actress Claire Foy when the show premiered in 2016.

“I have loved watching The Crown from the very start,” she said. “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 64-year-old actress, who is married to Downton Abbey’s Jim Carter, has enjoyed an illustrious career and has appeared in the likes of Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and Shakespeare in Love, while she has also previously portrayed Her Majesty in 2003 mini-series Cambridge Spies.

It has not yet been revealed which events season five will cover, however season three came to an end with the Queen’s Silver Jubilee 1977 and viewers will see a young Diana Spencer enter the scene when season four is released later this year.

Newcomer Emma Corrin was cast as the Princess of Wales last year, while Gillian Anderson will also join the show’s cast next season as Britain’s first female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Corrin, who previously appeared on screen in period drama Grantchester, said she was “beyond excited” at the prospect of portraying Princess Diana on screen.

“I have been glued to the show since the first episode and to think I’m now joining this incredibly talented acting family is just surreal,”she said. “Princess Diana was an icon, and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring.

“To be given the chance to explore her through Peter Morgan’s writing is the most exceptional opportunity, and I will strive to do her justice.”