Viewers get first look at Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth in The Crown

Netflix series The Crown has finally given fans what they’ve been waiting for – a first look at Olivia Colman in character as Her Majesty, The Queen.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting a sneak peek of the upcoming third season after producers announced an entire new cast would take on the lead characters as the show jumped ahead to the 1970s in the next instalment.

Netflix announced earlier this year that Colman, 44, would replace Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II as the royal gets older in the third and fourth season, and judging by the newly released picture, the British actress has certainly hit the mark.

The solo shot of the actress shows her in character and sipping tea at a table in one of the palace’s extravagant rooms.

Patience. pic.twitter.com/7F2f2aBON3

— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) July 16, 2018

Fans were quick to comment, congratulating Colman on her new role. “What a tease! Very exciting! She looks great. All we need now is a picture of Prince Philip, please!” one commentator wrote.

Another added: “I couldn’t be more happier to see the perfect work of Claire Foy being honoured with Olivia, she’s going to give us an another incredible and fresh version of the queen.”

Colman, best known for her critically acclaimed role on British series Broadchurch, spoke about her excitement at playing the Queen when her part was first announced in April.

“I’m so thrilled to be part of The Crown,” she said. “I was utterly gripped watching it. A proper ‘just one more’ feeling. I think Claire Foy is an absolute genius. She’s an incredible hard act to follow. I’m basically going to re-watch every episode and copy her.”

Olivia Colman will play Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown Season Three. pic.twitter.com/EI7EBihFwn

— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) April 5, 2018

The third season which is currently in production, is expected to premier in 2019. The show will pick up where season two left off in 1964 and will cover the Queen’s life through the early 1970’s.

Other cast replacements include Tobias Menzies from Outlander, who will take over from Matt Smith and Prince Phillip, while Helena Bonham Carter will step into the role of Princess Margaret, replacing Vanessa Kirby.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd4pPWmFBWj/?taken-by=vanessa__kirby

Read more: The Crown director reveals why he thinks royal family shouldn’t watch the show

The Golden Globe-winning series has captivated audiences since its premier, in large part for its warts-and-all account of the royal family’s personal lives and its gripping portrayal of the historical events that catapulted the monarchy into the 20th century. It follows the story of the Queen as she ascends the throne and details an often-strained relationship with her husband, Prince Philip.

While the show has gripped audiences around the world, director Stephen Daldry told The Sun in 2017, that he doesn’t want the royal family to watch it.

“I think enough people in the palace have watched it to reassure the family that were not doing a hack job, and that we are deeply respectful, but we are exploring issues of the family and their relationships both with internally to that family and their relationship to the government of the day,” he said at the time.

Are you excited to see Olivia Colman as the Queen? Do you watch The Crown?