Now that the hit Netflix series The Crown will be jumping forward in time for Season 3, Claire Foy, 34, has surrendered the role of Queen Elizabeth to Olivia Colman, an actress a decade her senior.

But as far as Claire and co-star Matt Smith, 35, who played Prince Philip, are concerned, it’s not goodbye forever. “Matt and I have said to the team… we will come back if you will have us,” Claire told Life & Style.

Though she can’t take the part back from Olivia, there’s always the possibility of flashbacks. “I would return, of course [to film flashback scenes],” she said. “It would be a joy to go back.” Saying goodbye, even if only temporarily, to the show that earned her a Golden Globe hasn’t been easy on Claire.

In the meantime, Claire has been busy teaching Olivia the ins and outs of the Queen Elizabeth role. “She’s f–king amazing and it’s a very hard act to follow,” Olivia gushed of Claire. “They — the people, the grown-ups — put us in touch so I could ask her about it and she was just lovely, she’s one of the sweetest people ever and she’s brilliant.”

She added, “Watching the first season was blissful because I had no idea [I’d later be on the show]. With the second season, I now know I’ve got to follow in her footsteps.”

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Claire previously revealed that it was clear to her she’d only be on the show for a short time period. “I always knew from the get-go that I was only going to be doing two [seasons]. I’m just very grateful that I have had such a wonderful time playing that part and made friends for life,” Claire confessed before Season 2 began streaming. “I always knew from the get-go that I was only going to be doing two [seasons]. I’m just very grateful that I have had such a wonderful time playing that part and made friends for life.”

And although we’re excited to see Olivia on The Crown, we’re going to miss Claire — and apparently so is she. “I’m going to miss my friends on the show,” she admitted to Life & Style. “It’s been a huge part of my life.”