Finally, I can be a drama queen

She’s set to be the star of Christmas telly, but Olivia Colman admits there was a time she felt pigeonholed by her comedy roles.

Currently filming for Netflix’s The Crown - she’s taking over from Claire Foy as the Queen – the Broadchurch actress will also appear in BBC’s big budget spectacular Les Miserables over the festive period.

“It’s been bonkers!” admitted Olivia, who has previously starred in comedies Peep Show and Rev. “I feel so grateful to be working so much and getting so many good parts.

“I was frustrated for a while because in this business they like to stick you in this slot and for a long time I was thought of as someone who can only do comedy. But once I had the chance to do drama it changed people’s thinking.”