The Broadchurch star will ascend the throne to play the monarch’s later years as Claire, 33, is too young to star as the ageing Queen beyond season two.
Olivia, 43, who won a Golden Globe for her role in The Night Manager, will begin filming the first of the ten episodes next year.
Fans of the critically acclaimed show were told last year that Claire and Matt Smith, who stars as Prince Phillip, were to be replaced in later seasons.
And fortunately, many viewers were delighted with the choice of casting as one person wrote on Twitter: ”I’m totally here for Olivia Colman replacing Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth in #TheCrown! Excellent choice @netflix.”
“I never even thought about Olivia Colman but I’m VERY excited about this casting! #TheCrown,” said another excited fan.
A third wrote: “Interesting choice. I think Olivia will be amazing in the part, Claire Foy is a tough act to follow #thecrown.”
It is not yet confirmed who will take over from former Doctor Who star Matt as Prince Phillip but fans still have one whole season left to enjoy before the massive reshuffle.
The new season of The Crown is set between 1956 and 1964 and will focus on the Queen and Prince Philip’s struggling marriage.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Claire teased season two of the series and said: “It’s very much about Philip and his impact on the crown, and their marriage. It’s about Margaret and Tony Armstrong-Jones.
“It’s very much the outside world, and the ‘60s, and sex and drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, and stuff that really you would not associate with the Queen of England.”
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