The actress, who was born and grew up in Oxford, is well known to audiences around the world after starring as Professor Sprout in several of the Harry Potter films.

Known for her character actor work across film, television, and stage, she received the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mrs Mingott in Martin Scorsese’s 1993 film, The Age of Innocence.

One of her other famed roles was as Mother Mildred in the long-running BBC drama programme, Call the Midwife.

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Now, the actress is being lined up for a new lead role in a spin-off series of the popular Netflix show, The Crown.

The royal drama about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II ran from November 2016 to December 2023, with 60 episodes released in total.

Created by Mr Peter Morgan, the six‑series show dramatises royal history from the late 1940s up to the early 2000s.

Now, Reports suggest that Netflix has approved a new prequel run of the series, covering royal history from 1901 to 1947.

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The planned spin‑off would open with the death of Queen Victoria and conclude with the wedding of the future Queen Elizabeth II to Prince Philip.

Amid this, The Telegraph has named Ms Margolyes as the publication’s dream casting for the lead role of Queen Victoria.

The national newspaper stated: “The outrageous actress is a natural. After all, she played the diminutive monarch in Blackadder’s Christmas Carol.

“However, she also has a serious passion for the subject, and narrated one of the queen’s many letters to her eldest daughter (also called Victoria) in Letters Live.”

The sought-after “Blue Peter” 50p, created to mark the London 2012 Olympic Games, recently fetched £220 on eBay after attracting 10 bids. Another example of the coin has previously sold for as much as £286.

Designed by Florence Jackson, the winning entrant of a Blue Peter competition, the coin features a high jump athlete and was first released in 2009 ahead of the London Olympics.

Although around 20,000 of the coins were minted, they were never officially released into general circulation. Despite this, collectors believe many have since entered everyday use, meaning some could still be sitting unnoticed in loose change across the UK.

(Image: PA)

The coins were originally sold for £1.09, but their rarity and Olympic connection have significantly boosted their value among collectors.

Experts say anyone with old 50p coins should check their designs carefully, as rare editions like the Blue Peter coin can be worth far more than their face value.

Five Incredibly Rare and Valuable British Coins

What makes a coin valuable?

The 50 pence piece has become the most valued and collected coin in the UK, with many collectable designs appearing on its heptagonal canvas.

Its 27.5mm diameter makes it the largest of any British coin, and allows space for decorative pictures. It has often been used to celebrate big events over the past 50 years of British history.

The rarest coins tend to be of the greatest value, with the mintage (number of coins with each design made) being the fundamental attraction for collectors.

Along with the design, other aspects of the coin which increase value are the condition of the coin and whether it has an error in its design.

The way in which it is sold can also determine the coin’s value – while some coin collectors will bid vast amounts of money on eBay or at auction, others opt for more robust valuations by selling via a coin dealer.

Royal Mint top 10 most valuable 50p coins

Here is a list of the top 10 most valuable coins, when they were made and how many were minted:

1. Atlantic Salmon (2023), 200,000
2. Kew Gardens (2009), 210,000
3. Olympic Wrestling (2011), 1,129,500
4. Olympic Football (2011), 1,161,500
5. Olympic Judo (2011), 1,161,500
6. Olympic Triathlon (2011), 1,163,500
7. Peter Rabbit (2018), 1,400,000
8. Flopsy Bunny (2018), 1,400,000
9. Olympic Tennis (2011), 1,454,000
10. Olympic Goalball (2011), 1,615,500

Lisa Hogan is Jeremy Clarkson’s girlfriend and helps run the 1,000‑acre Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire.

She has become a fan favourite for her no‑nonsense approach on the hit series, previously appearing in films such as Fierce Creatures, before stepping back to raise her three children.

The 51-year-old Irish former model and actress joined Mr Clarkson on the Prime Video show when it launched in 2021 and has since taken on a leading role in the farm shop.

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It was recently announced on ITV’s This Morning that Ms Hogan will be presenting a new show on ITV, Farming for Love.

This will see her play cupid for four single farmers from across the UK who are hoping to find a partner to share both their lives and livelihoods.

The upcoming series takes its inspiration from Farmer Wants a Wife, a reality show in which farmers are matched with potential partners from the city.

The programme was first broadcast on ITV in 2001 for a single run, before being brought back by Channel 5 in 2009.

READ MORE: Fans rally around emotional Jeremy Clarkson after tragic death

Following the major announcement, fans and friends of Ms Hogan have been quick to rally around her with well-wishes and messages of support.

Underneath Fremantle UK’s post on Instagram, one social media user said: “Fab, can’t wait, she’s brilliant.”

Another added: “Amazing! Love that Lisa is gonna be on our screens more.”

A third said: “What great content! Normal hardworking people, and Lisa is so natural”

“So delighted for lovely Lisa,” another agreed.