The Crown's Elizabeth Debicki responds to claim Diana was "manipulative"

Set in the '90s, season 5 dramatises the collapse of Diana’s marriage to Prince Charles (Dominic West) and her ensuing loneliness as she becomes yet more isolated from her royal in-laws, as well as her decision to go public with her grievances in her notorious Panorama interview with Martin Bashir.

Speaking in this week’s Radio Times magazine, Debicki responded to suggestions that some viewers might see the Princess’s behaviour as "manipulative" or selfish in some scenes, explaining that it is "fascinating" to hear different responses to her character after spending so long immersed in the role.

"There’s a part of me that goes, 'No, I’m not,' because I’ve been inside the character for so long," she said. "It’s fascinating because it’s the first time we’re really hearing it, it’s interesting that that’s your read on it."

The star went on to reveal that the new season explores the tabloid media landscape in Britain in the '90s, and examines Diana’s relationship with those publications.

"The character of Diana has a very interesting relationship at that point in the story with the media, because it’s something that can be used to a perceived advantage, and then, at times, obviously it can backfire because it’s an extremely unruly beast."

The fifth season of Netflix’s acclaimed royal drama is set to arrive on the streaming platform on 9th November, but it has already sparked controversy, with the likes of John Major (who will be played in the show by Jonny Lee Miller) and Judi Dench criticising its historical accuracy.

Last month, the show’s creator Peter Morgan said that while the new episodes may bring up "painful memories" for King Charles, the show "certainly isn’t" unkind to the new monarch.

"I have enormous sympathy for a man in his position - indeed, a family in their position," he told EW. "People are more understanding and compassionate than we expect sometimes."

You can watch seasons 1-4 of The Crown right now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £6.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.

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