Elizabeth Debicki has revealed how she feels about the prospect of playing Princess Diana in seasons five and six of The Crown.

The Tenet star will take over from Emma Corrin in the role. Given the timeline so far, Debicki’s seasons of The Crown could follow Diana and Charles' divorce and the princess’s death in 1997.

“It’s a dream role,” Debicki told The Mirror. “She is such a remarkable human being and she really does still live in the hearts of so many people.

“I’m overwhelmed, I’m terrified and I’m excited. I can’t wait to start.”

The Australian actor is known for her roles in Steve McQueen’s heist thriller Widows and the BBC One miniseries The Night Manager, and has appeared in blockbusters including Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol 2 and The Great Gatsby.

Fans reacted to the news of her casting in Netflix’s royal hit with excitement, with one person tweeting that they could “smell the awards coming”.