In seasons five and six of The Crown, Dominic West is in late-stage discussions to take on the role of Prince Charles, according to reports.

The variety was told by a source that the actor is being lined up in the role to replace Josh O'Connor, but the deal is not yet done.

In the last two seasons of Netflix's royal hit, which will be set in the 1990s and 2000s, West will star opposite Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana if he is cast.

It is expected that Series 5 and 6 will delve into the tempestuous marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana and his affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. In 1994, in a television interview, Prince Charles publicly admitted infidelity, while Princess Diana confirmed it in the 1995 Panorama interview, saying, 'There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.'

The news of the potential casting of West comes after the actor and his wife Catherine FitzGerald felt compelled to publish a handwritten note insisting that their marriage "is strong," following intimate pictures in the press of West and his new co-star Lily James.

In the forthcoming BBC adaptation, The Pursuit of Love, West, and James star opposite each other.

West is best known for his role in The Affair, a faithless drama he starred in alongside Ruth Wilson and The Wire.

On 15 November, Crown season four arrives on Netflix.