After weeks of discussing the gender pay gap issue on Netflix’s The Crown, Claire Foy has admitted that, not only has it “opened her eyes”, but it’s “changed her approach” to Hollywood for the better.

“It definitely opened my eyes to a lot. And I certainly won’t be naïve about those things,” Foy said, according to The Telegraph.

While in Las Vegas promoting her next film, The Girl in the Spider’s Web, Foy spoke about the ongoing controversy surrounding the gender pay gap.

“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,” Foy said.

“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.”

Foy, who played the lead role as Queen Elizabeth, starred opposite Matt Smith, who portrayed her husband, Prince Philip.

After Foy’s salary was made public - Foy was reportedly paid $40,000 (£29,000) per episode for the first two series - the producers of The Crown issued an apology to both her and her male co-star over the pay disparity.

“We want to apologise to both Claire Foy and to Matt Smith, brilliant actors and friends, who have found themselves at the centre of a media storm this week through no fault of their own,” said a spokesperson for Left Bank Pictures.

“Claire and Matt are incredibly gifted actors who, along with the wider cast on The Crown have worked tirelessly to bring our characters to life with compassion and integrity.

“As the producers of The Crown, we at Left Bank Pictures are responsible for budgets and salaries; the actors are not aware of who gets what, and cannot be held personally responsible for the pay of their colleagues.”

And earlier this week, her co-star, Matt Smith, broke his silence on the issue for the first time. 

“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,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.

“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.”

Smith added: “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.”

It is unclear what Smith’s remark of “made amends” means, as Netflix has released a statement on the issue. 

The Crown is one of the most expensive television series ever produced, costing about $130 million (£93 million) for the first season alone.

You can read more on the gender pay gap here.

Images: Netflix