‘The Crown’ star is replacing Lily James in 1950s romance ‘My Policeman’

Emma Corrin has landed her first big role since wowing audiences in The Crown.

The 25-year-old English actress joined the cast of Netflix’s The Crown in its fourth season last year as the young Princess Diana.

She’s also appeared in Grantchester and Misbehaviour.

Corrin will shortly begin filming a new period drama for Amazon based on Bethan Roberts’ novel My Policeman, described as “an exquisitely told, tragic tale of thwarted love.”

Inspired by the life of E.M. Forster and his relationship with his long-time companion Bob Buckingham and his wife, Roberts’ 2014 book is being adapted by Oscar-nominated writer Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia).

Emma Corrin is taking over the role from Downton Abbey star Lily James, who was previously announced in the cast.

Best known as Lady Rose in Downton, Lily James has been busy filming the BBC’s new The Pursuit of Love mini-series.

It’s believed that the Pursuit of Love shoot has been extended, as Covid safety measures mean that filming is currently taking longer than usual.

My Policeman will be directed by established theatre director Michael Grandage, from a screenplay by Academy Award and Emmy nominee Ron Nyswaner (Homeland).

Corrin will be joined in the movie by One Direction singer Harry Styles, who period drama fans may recognise from 2017’s Dunkirk movie.

The official synopsis for My Policeman reads: “It is in 1950s’ Brighton that Marion first catches sight of Tom. He teaches her to swim in the shadow of the pier and Marion is smitten—determined her love will be enough for them both.

“A few years later in Brighton Museum, Patrick meets Tom. Patrick is besotted with Tom and opens his eyes to a glamorous, sophisticated new world. Tom is their policeman, and in this age it is safer for him to marry Marion. The two lovers must share him, until one of them breaks and three lives are destroyed.”

Emma Corrin will be playing Marion, while Harry Styles will play Tom.

My Policeman will premiere on Amazon Prime Video later this year.

Bethan Roberts’ novel My Policeman is available on Amazon.