Olivia Colman named most influential in British TV

21 August 2018

Olivia Colman has been named the most influential person in British television.

Olivia Colman

The 44-year-old actress - who will take on the role of Queen Elizabeth II in the upcoming third series of Netfix drama 'The Crown' - finds herself at the summit of on-screen and behind-the-scenes talents who have had an exceptional past year.

Curated by Radio Times magazine, the list ranks 'Broadchurch' star Olivia - who rose to fame in 'Peep Show' - in the number one spot, followed by writer Chris Chibnall, and 'This Country' stars Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper.

Susanna Lazarus - RadioTimes.com's associate editor - said: "At a time of rapid change in the way we watch TV, how appropriate that our list is topped by a brilliant performer who has starred in some of the biggest broadcast shows of recent times and is soon to become the queen of on-demand as the lead in Netflix's 'The Crown.' "

'Saturday Night Takeaway' host Dec Donnelly is also high in the rankings in fourth, as he prepares to host 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' without his presenting partner Ant McPartlin.

'Luther' star Idris Elba, BBC veteran David Attenborough, Hugh Gant, Vanessa Kirby, Benedict Cumberbatch, and 'Spooks' actress Nicola Walker complete the top 10.

Other stars who made the top 20 include England football manager Gareth Southgate, following the Three Lions' fourth-place finish at the recent World Cup, and 'Match of the Day' host Gary Lineker.

Top 20:

1. Olivia Colman

2. Chris Chibnall

3. Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper

4. Declan Donnelly

5. Idris Elba

6. David Attenborough

7. Hugh Grant

8. Vanessa Kirby

9. Benedict Cumberbatch

10. Nicola Walker

11. Lisa McGee