The Crown season 3: Netflix reveals first look at Olivia Colman in character as Queen Elizabeth

Netflix has unveiled the first look at Olivia Colman in character as The Crown lead Queen Elizabeth.

The actor has replaced Claire Foy in the lead role of the Golden Globe-winning drama for its next two seasons.

You can see Colman in character below.

​Showrunner Peter Morgan decided to recast the royal roles every two seasons, stating: “You can’t ask someone to act middle-aged. Someone has to bring their own fatigue to it. The feelings we all have as 50-year-olds are different than the feelings we all have as 30-year-olds."

Joining Colman for season 3 are Matt Smith's Prince Philip replacement Tobias Menzies (The Terror) and Helena Bonham Carter who'll succeed Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret.

Line of Duty actor Jason Watkins will also appear playing British PM Harold Wilson following on from John Lithgow who won an Emmy for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the first season.

Elizabeth won't be the only Queen played by Colman in future projects. Just last week, a trailer for The Favourite - the new comedy-drama from The Lobster director Yorgos Lanthimios - was released showing her in character as a rather more irate monarch.

The Crown is expected to return to Netflix later this year.