The Crown actress Vanessa Kirby has dropped a huge hint that a certain legendary Hollywood actress could be taking on her role as Princess Margaret in the show's third season.
Vanessa has played the controversial character of Queen Elizabeth's sister since 2016, and the show's first season. She has most recently starred in the series' second installement on Netflix.
But the show's creator, Peter Morgan, has always insisted that the actors will be replaced as the show goes on - and as the characters inevitably get older.
And now, fans think they've discovered who will be taking on the role of Princess Margaret, following an Instagram post from Vanessa.
The 29-year-old actress recently posted a picture with none other than Helena Bonham-Carter, alongside the caption 'Honoured @thecrownnetflix'
Following the post, viewers appear convinced that 51-year-old Helena is set to take on the role, as the show moves into the 1970s.
One fan wrote, "I'm glad I'm gonna see Helena on The Crown!! So excited!!", while another commented "Love Helena! Hope she does your role justice, looking forward to watching it! ♥️✨👸🏻👑"
However, neither The Crown nor Helena have yet spoken out on the news to either confirm or deny it. However, reports have suggested that the star is in talks with Netflix to make it happen. And the news is reportedly 'all but confirmed'.
If Helena were to take on the role however, she'd certainly be at the right age for it. Princess Margaret was born in 1930, which would make her between her 40s and 50s in the 1970s. This is when the third series of The Crown is said to be set, as the show takes a jump forward in time.
By the early 70s, it's reported that the Queen's sister and her husband Lord Snowdon had begun to drift apart. And by 1978, the pair became the first senior members of the royal family to get a divorce since 1901.
So were Helena to take on the role of the late royal, she'd likely have plenty of drama to play with.
Vanessa Kirby has however spoken about her disappointment about the role being recast, in order to maintain the show's authenticity.
Speaking to The Telegraph, she confessed, "I was desperate to carry on,
"I was like, 'Right, Peter Morgan, The Crown creator, what do you want me to do? I'll smoke a million cigarettes in real life. I'll do anything to age myself…'
"I'm gutted. There hasn't been a part that's made me happier on-screen, and I really hope it has changed people's minds about her."
Olivia Colman was the first new cast member to be announced for series three of The Crown. She will be taking on the role of Queen Elizabeth II, previously played by Claire Foy.
Only time will tell if Helena is taking on the exciting role for The Crown's third season...
