Olivia Colman has pipped world-famous stars Sir David Attenborough and Benedict Cumberbatch to be named the most powerful person on British television.

The actress, 44, topped the Radio Times’ TV 100 Power List ahead of the veteran presenter, who is number six on the list, and the Hollywood star, who is at number nine.

Sir David Attenborough
Sir David Attenborough came sixth on the list (Peter Byrne/PA)

Colman, who first made a name for herself in a supporting role on the Peep Show, has now been hailed as the queen of UK TV talent.

Her rise from comedy to acclaimed dramas has seen her star in The Night Manager and Broadchurch, and she is soon set to take on the role of the Queen in Netflix series The Crown, replacing Claire Foy.

The annual Radio Times’ TV 100 power list celebrates the stand-out talents on-screen and behind-the-scenes.

Colman also beat incoming Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall and This Country creators Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper, as well as Saturday Night Takeaway star Declan Donnelly and Luther actor Idris Elba.

Idris Elba
Idris Elba came fifth (Yui Mok/PA)

Also making up the top 10 are A Very British scandal star Hugh Grant, The Crown’s Vanessa Kirby and Unforgotten actress Nicola Walker.

Susanna Lazarus, associate editor at RadioTimes.com , 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.”

The top 10 on this year’s list is:

1.            Olivia Colman

2.            Chris Chibnall

3.            Daisy May Cooper/Charlie Cooper

4.            Declan Donnelly

5.            Idris Elba

6.            Sir David Attenborough

7.            Hugh Grant

8.            Vanessa Kirby

9.            Benedict Cumberbatch

10.          Nicola Walker