Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Claire Foy left surprised by Rob Beckett’s The Crown revelation on Graham Norton Show

Comedian revealed previously unknown detail on BBC chat show

Jacob Stolworthy
Saturday 28 January 2023 05:43 EST
Comments
The Crown Season 5 trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Rob Beckett surprised The Graham Norton Show viewers with a revelation about The Crown.

The comedian appeared on the BBC chat show on Friday (27 January) alongside former Crown star Claire Foy as well as Sarah Michelle Gellar, M Night Shyamalan and Sam Smith.

After Foy was questioned about her recent cameo as Queen Elizabeth II in the fifth season of Netflix’s royal drama, Beckett told Norton that he auditioned for a surprise role in season four.

“You know there was that decorator that broke into the palace and spoke to the Queen? That was me,” he said, continuing: “Well, that’s what I auditioned for. I auditioned three times. Got close, didn’t I?”

Beckett was referring to Michael Fagan, who took centre stage in the fifth episode of season four, which was released in 2020.

Fagan famously broke into Buckingham Palace twice in the 1980s – and the second time, managed to speak to the Queen.

He climbed the building’s railings and managed to enter the Queen’s residence via an open window.

The episode featuring Fagan depicts a fictionalised account of what the pair spoke about – but Fagan himself criticised the show for embellishing their conversation.

Beckett said of the audition: “I thought I’d done really well. I got some really good feedback.”

Rob Beckett on ‘The Graham Norton Show’
Rob Beckett on ‘The Graham Norton Show’ (BBC)

He said “it would have been exciting” as he’s “done lots of comedy acting and this was quite a straight role”.

Beckett lost the role of Fagan to Preacher and Bodyguard actor Tom Brooke.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in