The Crown' to end after season five with Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth

Netflix's critically-acclaimed royal drama " Crown" will conclude after its fifth season with veteran actor Imelda Staunton being confirmed to portray Queen Elizabeth II. According to Hollywood Reporter, series creator and showrunner Peter Morgan said though he originally envisioned show to run for six seasons, he w believes five is "perfect time and place to stop".

"At outset I h imagined Crown' running for six seasons but w that we have begun work on stories for season five it has become clear to me that this is perfect time and place to stop," Morgan said in a statement. "I'm grateful to Netflix and Sony for supporting me in this decision," he ded.

Staunton, best kwn for playing Dolores Umbridge in "Harry Potter" series, will replace Oscar winner Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II for fifth season. Colman, who took over part from Claire Foy after first two seasons, me her debut as Royal Queen with third season in vember last year. She is set to appear in show's fourth season which is expected to premiere later this year. But unlike her two predecessors, Staunton will get to play part for only one season.

"I have loved watching ' Crown' from very start. As an actor it was a joy to see how both Claire Foy and Olivia Colman brought something special and unique to Peter Morgan's scripts. "I am genuinely houred to be joining such an exceptional creative team and to be taking Crown' to its conclusion," 64-year-old actor said.

(im credits: AP)