THE Crown bosses are struggling to find an actor to play unpopular Prince Andrew in the upcoming fifth series of the Netflix hit.
Producers of the historical drama, Left Bank Pictures, have resorted to advertising the role on Spotlight a job website for out-of-work actors to play the Duke of York, now 61, in his mid 30s to early 40s insisting it’s “a very good role.”
It comes after Andrew’s disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview over his links to convicted sex offender US financier Jeffrey Epstein led to him stepping down from royal duties.
Companies he had links with, such as BT and Barclays, have joined universities and charities in distancing themselves from him.
A casting source said: “Prince Andrew is one of the most unpopular members of the royal family and wannabe stars aren’t exactly queing up to play him.
“It’s not the sexiest role and is unlikely to set a Hollywood career alight.
“However, it might work for a real scene-stealer character artist.”
The ad reveals that filming will begin in August and continue to January next year, with a view to return for Season six which is scheduled to film from 2022 to 2033.
It will cover 1991 to 1997, including the the Queen’s Annus Horribilis and the separation and breakdown of Prince Charles and Diana.
Newcomer Tom Byrne, 26, played Prince Andrew in the fourth series and admitted he avoiding watching the infamous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis.
He said: “I thought the best thing I can do is to switch that part of my brain off.
“It just wasn’t useful to me to engage with that stuff – particularly as I was only playing him as a 20-year-old.”
Who could play him?
Daniel Mays, 43: Starred in Line of Duty.
Tom Hiddleston, 40: Avengers’ Loki and a hit in The Night Manager.
Johnny Flynn, 38: Singer who has appeared in Emma and Vanity Fair.
Danny Dyer, 43: EastEnders’ Mick Carter.
