Netflix's The Crown found themselves facing some off-screen drama earlier in the year when it emerged that despite being the lead, Claire Foy was paid less than her co-star Matt Smith on the period drama.

The producers admitted that Smith did make more due to his 'Doctor Who' fame, but that they would rectify that for the future.

There was a major backlash however and even a petition started to try and convince Smith to donate the difference between his pay cheque and Foy’s to the Time’s Up Legal Defence Fund.

Later the producers apologised to both Claire Foy and to Matt Smith "who have found themselves at the center of a media storm through no fault of their own".

Claire Foy has now revealed she felt "embarrassed" by the pay disparity between herself and co-star Matt Smith on The Crown.

Foy previously said that she wasn't surprised by the reaction to the pay gap but now has admitted that it "opened her eyes".

Speaking to The Telegraph she said: "It’s really opened my eyes about what I am allowed to have an opinion about, and what I’m allowed to stand up for myself about."

She continued: "And I think that’s really changed my approach to myself and other women in this industry. It’s been only a positive thing – even though, embarrassing."

Her comments comes just days after Smith broke his silence on the matter, telling Vanity Fair: "Claire is one of my best friends, and I believe that we should be paid equally and fairly and there should be equality for all.

"I support her completely, and I'm pleased that it was resolved and they made amends for it because that what's needed to happen. Going forward, I think we should all bear in mind that we need to strive to make this better and a more even playing field for everyone involved — but not just in our industry, in all industries."