Gillian Anderson cast as Margaret Thatcher in Netflix's 'The Crown'

Cape Town – Gillian Anderson (X Files, Sex Education) has just been cast as Margaret Thatcher in the award-winning Netflix show, The Crown.

Netflix announced the news in a tweet on Saturday, sharing the actress's excitement to take on the role.

Gillian Anderson will play Margaret Thatcher in The Crown Season Four, now in production. pic.twitter.com/OVCO8o2bVk

— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) September 7, 2019

"I am so excited to be joining the cast and crew of The Crown and to have the opportunity to portray such a complicated woman," the Sex Education actress said. "Thatcher was undoubtedly formidable but I am relishing exploring beneath the surface and, dare I say, falling in love with the icon who, whether love or despised, defined an era."

Margaret Thatcher was a stateswoman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. And while the 'Iron Lady' was a controversial figure, she played a key role under Queen Elizabeth's rule.

The character will be introduced in the fourth season of the hit show.

Season one and two are streaming on Netflix now while season three is set to premiere on 17 November. 

READ NEXT: The royals return to Netflix: The Crown's A-list cast gives insight into their regal roles