The Crown's Elizabeth Debicki hits back at claims Diana was 'manipulative'

Elizabeth Debicki has answered critics of Princess Diana who called the late Royal "manipulative".

Debicki, who plays Diana in the upcoming fifth season of The Crown after taking over the role from Emma Corrin, was speaking about the late princess to the Radio Times.

Read more: 'The Crown' to recreate controversial Diana 'Panorama' interview scenes

Answering a question about how some viewers may see Diana as a "manipulative" person, Debicki said: "There’s a part of me that goes, 'No, I’m not,' because I’ve been inside the character for so long. It’s fascinating because it’s the first time we’re really hearing it, it’s interesting that that’s your read on it."

Debicki also discussed Diana's controversial relationship with the British tabloid press which will be explored in the fifth season of the show: "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 Crown has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks regarding the historical accuracy of the show, having been condemned by former prime minister John Major, who is portrayed by Jonny Lee Miller in the series.

Major called the show a "barrel-load of nonsense" over its depiction of the relationship between him and the Queen.

Judi Dench, who has portrayed the Queen on screen also accused The Crown of "crude sensationalism". She also suggested that the show should come with a disclaimer highlighting that it is a work of fiction.

Netflix have repeatedly defended The Crown, saying that it is clear the show is a work of drama. A recent statement said: "The Crown has always been presented as a drama based on historical events.

"Series 5 is a fictional dramatisation, imagining what could have happened behind closed doors during a significant decade for the Royal Family – one that has already been scrutinised and well-documented by journalists, biographers and historians."

Season five of The Crown premieres on Netflix on 9 November.

Watch below: Elizabeth Debicki calls for The Crown critics to 'move on' after Netflix adds disclaimer.