American Horror Story season 13 sees Jessica Lange play former British PM Margaret Thatcher as part of hellish twist

*Warning: Spoilers ahead for American Horror Story season 13.*

We were certainly expecting mad things from American Horror Story season 13 – but Jessica Lange playing the late British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher? Could anyone have seen that coming?!

The latest episode of AHS season 13 saw Lange reprise her role as Freak Show's Elsa Mars, who served as the Master of Ceremonies in a sacrificial ceremony to Mr Nas (Fedor Steer). Because of course it did.

Elsa gives him the "gift" of 13 women killed before they reached their full potential. Included among them are Hypodermic Sally, Eva Braun, Wallis Simpson, Ayn Rand, Brigitte Bardot, Catherine the Great, Mamie Eisenhower, Elena Ceaușescu, Jezebel and Tuberculous Karen.

But things got even weirder when the next woman was revealed: Margaret Thatcher (played by Lange).

As Thatcher is thrown into a fiery pit, Elsa calls her a "school milk snatcher, common enemy to the common people, union-busting bi**h".

She goes on to add: "Your callous disregard sent Irish hunger strikers to their death."

Thatcher responds: "Crime is crime is crime. It is not political. It is crime," with Elsa replying: "They say the lady is made of iron. She's as hollow as a Yorkshire pudding. Trickle down this hell hole, but first – apologise."

When Thatcher refuses to apologise, Elsa sends her down into the fiery pit, declaring: "Toodle-oo. Don't cry for her, Argentina!"

We're going to need a few moments to process that.

Showrunner Ryan Murphy previously announced that American Horror Story season 13 would be an "Avengers-style" crossover, featuring returning stars and characters from all past seasons of the franchise, including Murder House (season 1), Coven (season 3), Freak Show (season 4), and Cult (season 7).

The story began with troubled couple Kira (Riverdale’s Madelaine Petsch) and Ben (Monster alum Joey Pollari). During a couples’ therapy session, we discover that Kira has an overwhelming love for the number 13, which all but dictates her entire life, while Ben has a crippling fear of the numeral.

Against his better judgement, he decides to join Kira on her 13-themed birthday trip to save their relationship – only for tragedy to strike. Sometime later, grief-stricken Ben returns to work as a hospice carer for the elderly Mr Nas (Fedor Steer), under the supervision of one Constance Langdon (Lange).

From then on, quite literally all hell breaks loose – and we're more than a little terrified to see what Murphy has in store for us next.

American Horror Story season 13 airs on FX and streams internationally on Disney+.

Previous seasons are available to stream now on Disney+ in the UK – sign up to Disney Plus from £4.99 a month.

Add American Horror Story to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.