Here’s when the new season of ‘The Crown’ begins filming

It’s been confirmed when production will start on The Crown‘s third season.

Netflix’s award-winning period drama about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom debuted in November 2016 with Season 2 following in December 2017.

There will be a slightly longer gap before we see the next season, however, as the show’s entire cast will be replaced with older actors in Season 3.

It was announced last year that Broadchurch star Olivia Colman will take over the role of Elizabeth from Claire Foy in the next two seasons. She too will then be replaced in Season 5 and Season 6.

Colman told Radio Times: “I don’t start until July so I know nothing about it yet apart from they said I could do it so I’m holding them to that.”

Discussing the pressure of replacing Claire Foy, the Night Manager actress admitted: “She’s f**king amazing and it’s very hard act to follow.”

She added: “We are completely obsessed with The Crown anyway but whenever Claire Foy comes on [my husband] goes, ‘Oh, she’s amazing.’ Watching the first series was blissful because I had no idea. With the second series I now know I’ve got to follow in her footsteps.”

Claire Foy has expressed her approval of Colman’s casting, saying: “I just think she’s extraordinary. She’s an extraordinary human being as well. I just think that she will make it her own. And I just can’t wait to see what she does with it.”

Season 3 is expected to premiere on Netflix in early 2019.