The Crown actor defends show after criticism over its accuracy
THE Crown star Jason Watkins says the royal drama is “very accurate”.
The actor (54) plays Harold Wilson in the Netflix show, which sparked calls from Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden to add a disclaimer saying it is a work of fiction.
But Watkins told That Gaby Roslin Podcast: “There’s lots of talk about how accurate it is.
“As far as my understanding is, it’s very accurate with a little dramatic licence along the way.
“It’s depth the audience want to know about, not just a Madame Tussaud’s presentation of that world.”
The latest series focused on the unhappy marriage of Diana, Princess of Wales and the Prince of Wales, played by Emma Corrin and Josh O’connor.
Dowden previously said he fears viewers of the lavish drama could mistake fiction for fact without a warning at the beginning of episodes.
Netflix said it had “no plans and sees no need” to add a disclaimer.
Watkins also called for more support for arts workers in the pandemic.
The Government previously announced a £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to save institutions in peril, plus additional support during the Budget this year.
“The arts is an essential part — it brings us together as a society, brings us closer and makes us more tolerant which is what we need, particularly at the moment,” Watkins said.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s race allegations against the royal family were joked about on US comedy show Saturday Night Live.
In their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey last month, Harry and Meghan alleged a member of the family had made a racist comment about their son Archie.
British Oscar nominee Daniel Kaluuya, who was born in London to Ugandan parents, referenced the claim during his opening monologue on the show.
He said: “First of all, I know you’re hearing my accent and thinking: ‘Oh no, he’s not black, he’s British’.
“Let me reassure you that I am black. I’m black and I’m British. Basically I am what the royal family was worried the baby would look like.”