Following the success of the first series of The Crown, it looks as if show bosses are pulling out all the stops to make the second instalment just as good. It has been announced that Downton Abbey star Matthew Goode, who played Lady Mary’s lover in the ITV drama, will take on the role of Princess Margaret’s husband Lord Snowdon.
The news comes weeks after the society photographer - who was married to the Queen’s younger sister from 1960 until 1978 - died peacefully at his home at the age of 86. Radio Times has revealed the second series of the Netflix drama has started filming in time for an airing towards the end of this year. It is believed the story will continue from the 1956 Suez crisis and finishes around the mid-1960s.
Downton Abbey star Matthew Goode has landed a role in The Crown
Earlier this month, The Crown was named best television drama at this year’s Golden Globes and Claire Foy - who plays the young Queen - took home the award for best supporting actress. The British actress hailed the "extraordinary" monarch in her speech, saying: "She has been at the centre of the world for 63 years. I think the world could do with a few more women at the centre of it, if you ask me." She added: “When you play a real life person, it's tricky. You rely very much on the people around you. So I'm going to dedicate this to all those people around me."
The Crown was named best television drama at this year’s Golden Globes
Written by Peter Morgan and directed by Stephen Daldry, the first series focuses on the early years of the Queen’s reign to her relationship with Prince Phillip (Matt Smith). The drama also stars John Lithgow, who plays Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Victoria Hamilton, who takes on the role of the Queen Mother.