‘The Crown’ confirms big casting news for Season 4

Netflix has at last officially announced that Gillian Anderson is joining The Crown.

Dramatising the reign of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Netflix’s award-winning period drama returns later this year.

The third season will see the show’s entire cast being replaced by older actors as the story moves further into the second half of the 20th Century.

It was first reported in September 2018 that the Anderson would be playing Margaret Thatcher in the show’s fourth season.

The X-Files star herself has now confirmed that the rumours are true in a statement released by Netflix.

The 51-year-old British-American actress said: “I am so excited to be joining the cast and crew of The Crown and to have the opportunity to portray such a complicated and controversial women.”

She added: “Thatcher was undoubtedly formidable but I am relishing exploring beneath the surface and, dare I say, falling in love with the icon who, whether loved or despised, defined an era.”

Best-known for playing FBI Agent Dana Scully in The X-Files, Anderson has been the romantic partner of The Crown writer Peter Morgan since 2016.

She has appeared in several BBC period dramas in recent years, with acclaimed performances in War & Peace, Bleak House and Great Expectations.

Baroness Thatcher was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990.

‘The Iron Lady’ was the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century and the UK’s first ever female PM.

It was also confirmed earlier this year who will be playing Princess Diana in Season 4.

The Crown is available to buy on DVD on Amazon.