After months of speculation, Netflix has confirmed that Gillian Anderson will take on the role of Margaret Thatcher in season four of The Crown.
The news was announced via the streaming giant's official Twitter account alongside a quote from the actress which reads: "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 woman."
"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."
During a recent interview with The Guardian, Anderson revealed that she prepped for the role by reading and watching everything she could find on the late Prime Minister.
"To a certain degree, it’s very helpful for an actor, at least in my experience, to slightly fall in love with the character you’re playing, regardless of what your opinion might be of them, if it’s a historical character, particularly," she explained. "So I have."
The 51-year-old actress then went on to describe Thatcher's upbringing as "absolutely fascinating".
"Just everything that came later stems so entirely from her childhood. But that in and of itself is fascinating, and - I’m not going to use the word forgivable, but one can find compassion."
Anderson - most famous for her role as Agent Dana Scully in The X Files - is currently in a relationship with the award-winning series's screenwriter, Peter Morgan.
The couple most recently collaborated on The Last King of Scotland - a 2007 film adaptation which Morgan wrote and Anderson starred in.
Filming for season three of the Netflix hit recently wrapped with Olivia Colman starring as Claire Foy's successor. Helena Bonham Carter will follow in Vanessa Kirby's footsteps as Princess Margaret while Tobias Menzies is set to take over Matt Smith’s role as Prince Philip.
The forthcoming season will explore Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon's turbulent marriage before introducing viewers to the blossoming relationship between Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles.
In anticipation of the third installment, which is set to grace our screens on November 17, Anderson spoke about Olivia Colman's highly-anticipated role as the Queen.
"I’ve seen the third season, and she’s amazing," she teased.
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