 Richard noted that 'everyone has very clear opinions' as he touched on the strongly worded criticism from Dame Judi Dench, saying: 'Your mate Dame Judi has been very vocal about how she perceives The Crown.' The Oscar-winning actress said Netflix 'seems willing to blur the lines between historical accuracy and crude sensationalism', in a letter to The Times. Dame Judi also said there was a risk that 'a significant number of viewers' would take its events as historical truth. Lesley said: 'We are making a drama based on the Royal Family and the events that are so well known of that time. But it has to be stressed that it is a drama.' Lesley Manville, who plays Princess Margaret ( Keith Bernstein) Richard went on to note that she and Dame Judi have been close friends with Imelda Staunton, who is set to play the late monarch, for decades. Lesley said: 'Because we're such good friends, that whole thing of creating these two sisters who were so close, we didn't really have to work on that mu){kind=link}
Lesley Manville has stepped into the role previously held by Vanessa Kirby and Helena Bonham Carter for The Crown season five
Lesley Manville has stressed that The Crown is a drama as the Netflix hit is set to return to the streaming platform with a fifth season this week.
The latest season will focus on the tumultuous early 1990s, which saw Prince Charles and Princess Diana separate.
The show has already faced public backlash from figures including Sir John Major and Tony Blair ahead of the premiere this evening.
Lesley Manville, who will make her debut playing Princess Margaret in the series, addressed the controversy during an interview with Good Morning Britain’s entertainment presenter Richard Arnold.