Imelda Staunton looks a far cry from royalty as she puffs on a joint and reunites with The Crown co-star Dominic West to play his wild aunt in Brassic Christmas special

Imelda Staunton looked anything but royal as she swapped her role in The Crown for the Brassic Christmas special.

The 67-year-old Oscar-nominated actress most recently played the role of the late Queen Elizabeth II in the Netflix series.

But the first time you watch the holiday episode of Sky’s comedy Brassic, the star transforms into wild Edie.

The photos show Imelda lighting up a joint with lead character Vinnie O’Neal, played by Joe Gilgun, in robes.

She plays the crazy aunt of Dr. Chris Cox, played by Dominic West, who famously played Imelda’s son King Charles in The Crown.

Despite Dr. Chris explicitly telling Winnie to keep her aunt out of trouble, Edie grows close to the troublemaker as she shares her secret bohemian past with him.

Getting high together, the duo soon come up with a reckless plan to rob the local Winter Wonderland.

Imelda explained that she was a long-time Brassica fan and was “thrilled” to be part of the “fun and heartwarming” series.

She said: “I watched Brassique and I’m a fan and I love it. Chris is played by Dominic West, who I’ve worked with many times.

“I worked with Joe Gilgun and Dominic together on Pride, so we’ve known each other for a long time.”

“I love Brassic, I think it’s crazy and the script is hilarious. It’s so touching and all the characters are incredible but so real. I was very happy when I was asked to do this.

“I play an elderly woman named Edie who lives alone. Dominic West’s character Dr Chris asks Joe’s character Winnie to look after Edie for Christmas.

“As you can imagine, she is not easy to get along with.” It is very funny!

While discussing her reunion with Dominic, Imelda joked that she couldn’t seem to stop playing one of his relatives.

She said: “Dominic West and I have worked together quite a few times, about four or five times, but most recently we were mother and son in The Crown.”

“Now I’m his aunt, so I’m just working on becoming part of his family. I think it was Dom who suggested that Joe dedicate his life to this program.”

She added: “It’s a Christmas special, but I think they’re now gearing up for series six so they’re doing something right.”

“It’s so popular. I think it’s because they surround themselves with such great actors and that’s why I’m very happy to be among this gang.”

A Very Bold Christmas will feature the return of the core cast, including Michelle Keegan as Erin Croft, Tommo Shaftner as Ryan Sampson, Bronagh Gallagher as Carol Dennings, Ash Dennings as Aaron Heffernan and Parth Thackerar as JJ Giovani.

Imelda isn’t the only famous guest to star in the special: Greg Davis also appears as Dick Dolphin, who gets into a fight with one of the gang members.

Speaking about the episode, creator and lead actor Joe teased:Obviously some crazy things are going to happen.

“The team must help Tyler’s school and save the school nativity scene for him and his classmates.

“Vinnie has to look after Edie, Dr. Chris’s aunt. She’s alone at Christmas – no one should be alone at Christmas – it shows there’s heart in this group.

“And we will show that Christmas is not a Dickens fairy tale.” For some people there is no normal family structure – and that can be a huge pain in the ass.”

A Very Cool Christmas airs Thursday, December 21 at 10pm on Sky Max.