The first official pictures of Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher have fans feeling very conflicted

A few months ago the first trailer for season four of Netflix's The Crown was released and gave viewers their first glimpse of Gillian Anderson as former prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

Highly acclaimed series will see how the British monarchy adapted to life and reacted to the major events of the 1980s, which includes the wedding of prince Charles and princess Diana, as well as the birth of theirs sons William and Harry.

The show has never shied away from the politics of the era that it has covered and how the Royal Family played their part but the casting of Anderson as Thatcher has created controversy the likes of which you've never seen.

You see, people tend to like Anderson quite a lot. The 52-year-old actor, who grew up in north London, is best known for playing Agent Dana Scully in The X-Files and has developed a cult following of her own since the 1990s.

Whether its because she is a great actor or that she is a very attractive woman Anderson's casting as Thatcher, perhaps the most controversial prime minister ever has caused a lot of conflicts.

Sure, people want to like Anderson and some might even find it impossible to be attracted to her, but what if she is so good as Thatcher that they end up having the hots for the Tory PM or even sympathise with her?

It's a problem few had probably ever envisaged happening to them but the release of new images of Anderson as Thatcher outside Downing Street has left people questioning their life choices.

Of course, this isn't the first time that Thatcher's life has been portrayed on screen. Meryl Streep took on the role in the 2011 biopic The Iron Lady, a performance that earned her an Academy Award. Others such as Lindsay Duncan, Patricia Hodge and Andrea Riseborough have also taken on the role meaning Anderson is in good company for taking on the part but it remains to be seen if her adoring fans will have their opinion changed of the star when the new season debuts on November 15.