Jonny Lee Miller to play former PM John Major in 'The Crown'

Albertina Lloyd
·Contributor
·2 min read
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 05: Jonny Lee Miller attends the 'INK' cast photo call and rehearsal at Manhattan Theatre Club Rehearsal Studios on March 5, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Walter McBride/WireImage)
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Jonny Lee Miller will play former British prime minister John Major in The Crown, it has been announced.

The Netflix royal drama is set to return for two more series with Imelda Staunton starring as the Queen, Jonathan Pryce taking over the role of Prince Philip and Lesley Manville cast as Princess Margaret.

Trainspotting star Miller, 48, has been announced to take on the role of Conservative PM in the fifth series.

Sir John Major served as PM from 1990 to 1997. He was succeeded by Labour leader Tony Blair in May 1997 but was made a 'special guardian' of Princes William and Harry after their mother Princess Diana's death in August that year. He was a guest at the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle in 2019.

Read more: Jonathan Pryce confirmed for The Crown

Miller rose to fame after starring in Danny Boyle's 1996 film Trainspotting and has gone on to have a successful career in film, television and on stage.

Sir John Major takes questions after delivering his speech on Brexit at Somerset House, Embankment Galleries in London. The Creative Industries Federation, Somerset House Trust and Tech London Advocates are hosting the former Prime Minister as he comments on the Brexit negotiations, their effect on people, and on the economy and growth.
Sir John Major was a guest at Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle. (PA)

He starred as Sherlock Holmes in the US TV drama Elementary between 2012 and 2019, and in 2012 shared the Olivier Award for Best Actor with Benedict Cumberbatch for their performance in Frankenstein at the National Theatre.

It was previously announced that Princess Diana will be played by Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki for seasons five and six of The Crown.

Imelda Staunton Red carpet for the movie
Imelda Staunton will play The Queen in the final two series of The Crown. (PA)

She will take over from Emma Corrin, who played the younger Diana Spencer in season four of the show.

The series extending to a sixth season was confirmed by the show's creator Peter Morgan in July last year.

Read more: Elizabeth Debicki confirmed to play Princess Diana in The Crown

He said: “As we started to discuss the storylines for [Season 5], it soon became clear that in order to do justice to the richness and complexity of the story, we should go back to the original plan and do six seasons.

“To be clear, [Season 6] will not bring us any closer to present day — it will simply enable us to cover the same period in greater detail.”

Watch: Jonny Lee Miller is back in contact with ex-wife Angelina Jolie