Crossword Genius

Leading lady over a number of years? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

era

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'number of years?' is the definition.
'era' can be an answer for 'years?' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'number of' bit.

'leading lady over a' is the wordplay.
'leading lady' becomes 'er' (Elizabeth Regina**).
'over' says to put letters next to each other.
'er'+'a'='ERA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for era that I've seen before include "day" , "A particular period of time" , "Important date" , "Eon" , "Long historical period" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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