It has been nearly two-and-a-half years since The Crown appeared to take its final bow on Netflix, closing a season that charted seismic moments for the Royal Family, including the death of Princess Diana, Prince Charles and Camilla's wedding, and Prince William and Kate Middleton's nascent romance. Since 2022, when this paper first revealed talks between Netflix and producer Left Bank Pictures over a £500 million run of prequels, fans have been on tenterhooks.
Production Greenlit for New Series
I can now reveal the production company has received the green light to create the new project, which will span the period from Queen Victoria's death in 1901 to the wedding of the then Princess Elizabeth in 1947. A well-placed source tells me: 'Netflix has been locked in negotiations with the company for quite a long time about this spin-off series, but they've recently finally managed to seal the deal and come to an agreement.'
Peter Morgan Expected to Return
Peter Morgan, the show's creator, who spearheaded the series to become one of Britain's most decorated TV dramas with 24 Emmy awards to its name, is expected to return. The insider adds: 'Peter had already been putting pen to pad and casting is expected to take place next year.' By stepping further back in time, the show may sidestep the accuracy rows that eclipsed the later seasons. This would align with what Morgan has previously said: 'I sort of have in my head a 20-year rule. That is enough time and enough distance to really understand something, to understand its role, to understand its position, to understand its relevance.' He added: 'Often, things that appear absolutely wildly important today are instantly forgotten, and other things have a habit of sticking around and proving to be historically very relevant and long-lasting.' Netflix and Left Bank Pictures did not respond to my request for comment.
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Lauren Silverman Opens Up About Hair Loss
Simon Cowell's fiancee, Lauren Silverman, has admitted her confidence has taken a hit due to major hair loss. 'It's been one of my biggest insecurities,' reveals the American socialite, who has a son Eric, 12, with Cowell. 'I wear extensions and I'm so grateful I can because they help me feel like myself but underneath that, it's something I think about far more than I'd like to admit,' writes Lauren, 48, online. The former actress says: 'I don't want to feel ashamed of it anymore and neither should you.'
Nicola Sturgeon vs JK Rowling
Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appears to have yet again laid into author JK Rowling over transgender rights. 'However rich and however famous some of the people who attack me might be, I'm not going to be silenced,' says Sturgeon, adding that she'll keep 'fighting' for the 'marginalised' community.
Anna Friel Prefers Pyjamas
Anna Friel may have once been the life and soul of the party alongside Kate Moss, but times have changed. She tells me: 'I'm just not comfortable at these things, I'm the kind of girl, I get home and put my pyjamas on.'
Lady Amelia Windsor Takes Up Pottery
Once dubbed the 'most beautiful royal' by Tatler magazine, Lady Amelia Windsor is proving she has creative talents to match her looks. The Duke of Kent's granddaughter has taken up pottery, which she says she's found to be 'wholesome' and 'therapeutic'. The model, 30, posted a cheerful photo online of her wearing an apron with a green cup she crafted with her name on it at the House Pottery London workshop. '[I have been] building and painting mugs and cups whilst having a lovely chat to the other guests and our fab teacher,' says Lady Amelia. 'I can't wait to see my pieces after they've gone in the kiln.'
Peter Rosengard's Royal Secrets
While King Charles charms our American cousins, Peter Rosengard has been taking full advantage of his absence. 'You'll never guess what he collects,' the ever playful Rosengard, who founded London's Comedy Store in 1979, tells me. 'He collects lavatories. He has the greatest collection in the world,' he claims at Claridge's. As for the late Queen Elizabeth, adds Rosengard, she'd 'pick up crispy bacon rashers and use them as a fork to scoop up scrambled eggs'. Rosengard is set to dish more secrets in his new book out next month – They Only Call Me When They're Dead!
