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 II 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 tells Life & Style.

the crown claire foy
Netflix

Though she couldn’t take the part back from Olivia, there’s always the possibility of flashbacks. “I would return, of course [to film flashback scenes],” she says. “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. “I’m going to miss my friends on the show,” she admits to Life & Style. “It’s been a huge part of my life.”