Downton Abbey

ITV has released a new clip from series four of Downton Abbey.

The hit period drama's series opener will deal with the aftermath of Matthew Crawley's (Dan Stevens) untimely demise.

In the new clip, new mother Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) is still struggling to come to terms with her loss.

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes recently defended the decision to have Mary courted by new suitors following the loss of her husband.

"The only reason she wouldn't be eventually courted successfully would be if she was determined to remain alone and I just don't think that's who she is," said Fellowes.

"I think she's one of those people who find it quite difficult to be generally genial and those people need a partner, because otherwise there's no-one they're ever completely relaxed with."

Downton Abbey returns to ITV on Sunday, September 22 at 9pm.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s183/...lip-watch.html

29th September 2013

Episode two:

Emerging from her grief, Mary starts to take an interest in the running of the estate, but is met with resistance from Robert.

As Molesley’s fortunes worsen, Bates hatches a plan to help him.

Out for a bit of fun, Rose gets into a sticky situation at a tea dance in York.

Mrs Hughes urges Carson to let an old wound heal.

29th September 2013

Episode two:

Emerging from her grief, Mary starts to take an interest in the running of the estate, but is met with resistance from Robert.

As Molesley’s fortunes worsen, Bates hatches a plan to help him.

Out for a bit of fun, Rose gets into a sticky situation at a tea dance in York.

Mrs Hughes urges Carson to let an old wound heal.

6th October

An extravagant house party at the Abbey gives the Crawleys a chance to reconnect with old friends. Some guests, however, prove more welcome than others and along with the celebrations come skulduggery and heartache.

Episode 4 - 13th October

Amid the fallout of the eventful house party a trip to the bright lights of London is planned. Here Sir John Bullock shows his true colours and Rose finds gallantry comes from an unexpected quarter.

Gregson shares ambitious plans with Edith, taking their relationship to another level.

Back at the Abbey Mary faces a pressing question about her future, Isobel accepts an offer from Dr Clarkson which rekindles her social conscience, and the manipulative Edna finds herself outmanoeuvred.

Below stairs Carson reveals surprisingly intimate details of his former life, and Daisy's clumsy attempt to get closer to Alfred may push him further away.

Episode 4 - 13th October

Amid the fallout of the eventful house party a trip to the bright lights of London is planned. Here Sir John Bullock shows his true colours and Rose finds gallantry comes from an unexpected quarter.

Gregson shares ambitious plans with Edith, taking their relationship to another level.

Back at the Abbey Mary faces a pressing question about her future, Isobel accepts an offer from Dr Clarkson which rekindles her social conscience, and the manipulative Edna finds herself outmanoeuvred.

Below stairs Carson reveals surprisingly intimate details of his former life, and Daisy's clumsy attempt to get closer to Alfred may push him further away.

A major twist is expected to take place in this weekend's Downton Abbey, following ITV's decision to withhold preview copies of the show's latest episode from the press.

Producers made the same decision not to preview episodes in series three when Lady Sybil was killed off and when Matthew Crawley exited in the Christmas special.
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Nigel Harman as Green and Charles Edwards as Gregson in 'Downton Abbey' episode 3
© ITV
Nigel Harman arrives in Downton
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Andrew Alexander as Sir John Bullock in 'Downton Abbey' episode 3
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Andrew Alexander joins the Downton cast


The opening two episodes of series four have featured both upstairs and downstairs at Downton slowly recovering from the loss of Matthew Crawley.

However, speculation is rife online that another major character might have been killed off by Julian Fellowes in a new twist for the hugely popular ITV drama series.

Further speculation about a possible dramatic twist in this week's episode has been sparked by the arrival of Nigel Harman's character Green.
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Kiri Te Kanawa as Dame Nellie in 'Downton Abbey' episode 3
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Kiri Te Kanawa cameos in 'Downton'

Harman has claimed that his valet character has "no redeeming qualities" and said previously that he will "stir things up" in the period drama.

Fans suspect that Green will be involved in some fresh troubles for Bates and Anna, who actors Joanne Froggatt and Brendan Coyle have promised will face some serious troubles during the series.

Other arrivals in the latest episode include a new possible suitor for Lady Mary, Tom Cullen's Lord Gillingham, Andrew Alexander's Sir John Bullock and Kiri Te Kanawa as Dame Nellie Melba.

Meanwhile, another new character, Patrick Kennedy's Mr Sampson, is billed by ITV as "a slightly mysterious acquaintance from Robert's gentleman's club".
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Tom Cullen as Lord Gillingham in 'Downton Abbey' episode 3
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Tom Cullen in 'Downton'


The latest episode will centre around an extravagant house party at the Abbey, held to raise spirits and cheer up Lady Mary.

Downton Abbey continues on Sunday nights at 9pm on Sunday.

OMG poor Anna

20th October


Change is in the air as an exciting opportunity for Alfred creates tension between Ivy and Daisy.

Isobel appeals to Violet’s sense of charity, but it doesn’t come without a fight, and Branson considers a whole new future for himself and baby Sybbie.

A preview video from the next episode of Downton Abbey has been released online.

Isobel Crawley (Penelope Wilton) is seen discussing Lady Mary with Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith) in the clip.
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Isobel mentions how difficult it was to see Lady Mary at a concert laughing with another man after the recent death of her son Matthew.

She also discusses that she feels bad for having such feelings.

Downton Abbey will be shown on Sunday, October 13 at 9pm on ITV.

A preview video from the next episode of Downton Abbey has been released online.

Isobel Crawley (Penelope Wilton) is seen discussing Lady Mary with Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith) in the clip.

Isobel mentions how difficult it was to see Lady Mary at a concert laughing with another man after the recent death of her son Matthew.

She also discusses that she feels bad for having such feelings.

Downton Abbey will be shown on Sunday, October 13 at 9pm on ITV.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s183/...tch-video.html

Downton Abbey's single parents, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) and Tom Branson (Allen Leech), have barely been seen with their children in the opening episodes of the series, so it's a relief that in episode 5 we finally see the pair spending time with the ever-so-cute baby Sybbie and baby George.


However, all isn't well for the doting parents as Tom expresses concerns about his current life and reveals that he may have plans to start afresh elsewhere, away from Downton.

Meanwhile, viewers can also look forward to some more delightful Maggie Smith and Penelope Wilton scenes as Isobel attempts to appeal to Violet's charitable side. Downstairs, a new opportunity for Alfred (Matt Milne) will add further tension to Ivy (Cara Theobold) and Daisy's (Sophie McShera) relationship.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s183/...bysitting.html

27th October


A birthday party is planned for Robert, but Rose’s surprise contribution to the event ruffles feathers above and below stairs.

A new farming venture on the Downton estate comes with dramatic repercussions for Mary, and Edith receives more unwelcome news.

3rd November


Cora’s playboy brother Harold is in a fix and Robert must travel to America to help bail him out, whilst a new farming venture at Downton sees Blake and Mary forced to put aside their differences.

When Violet is taken ill she finds help comes from an unlikely corner.

With romantic tensions causing disharmony downstairs, things don’t quite go to plan when Mrs Hughes, Mrs Patmore and Carson conspire to keep the peace.

We're rapidly heading towards the conclusion of series four of Downton Abbey and Julian Fellowes is currently dangling a plethora of tantalising plot strands.

Can Anna and Bates rekindle their love? Will Lady Mary be swept off her feet by a new suitor? Will Thomas ever stop being a rotter? Scroll down for eight picture clues from this week's episode.

1. Now Bates knows some of the truth about Anna, can the couple find love again?
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Joanne Froggatt as Anna and Brendan Coyle as John Bates in 'Downton Abbey' Season 4 Episode 6
© ITV / Nick Briggs
Anna and John Bates in 'Downton Abbey' Episode 6


2. Alfred looks like he has some big news.
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Phyllis Logan as Mrs Hughes, Jim Carter as Mr Carson and Matt Milne as Alfred in 'Downton Abbey' Season 4 Episode 6
© ITV / Nick Briggs
Mrs Hughes, Mr Carson and Alfred


3. But what will that mean for the ongoing downstairs 'love square'?
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Sophie McShera as Daisy and Matt Milne as Alfred in 'Downton Abbey' Season 4 Episode 6
© ITV / Nick Briggs
Daisy and Alfred in 'Downton Abbey' Episode 6


4. Standard Lady Mary looking mournful shot for the week.
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Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary in 'Downton Abbey' Season 4 Episode 6
© ITV / Nick Briggs
Lady Mary in 'Downton Abbey' Episode 6


5. Will Napier have the answer to Lady Mary's woes?
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Evelyn Napier as Brendan Patricks and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary in 'Downton Abbey' Season 4 Episode 6
© ITV / Nick Briggs
Napier and Lady Mary


6. Jack Ross Part 2. How will the jazz band leader go down when he arrives at the house?
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Gary Carr as Jack Ross in 'Downton Abbey' Season 4 Episode 6
© ITV / Nick Briggs
Jack Ross in 'Downton Abbey' Episode 6


7. Who is this dashing young chap on the right? Will the rather handsome Charles Blake win the heart of Lady Mary?
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Evelyn Napier as Brendan Patricks, Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary and Julian Ovenden as Charles Blake in 'Downton Abbey' Season 4 Episode 6
© ITV / Nick Briggs
Napier and Charles Blake party with Lady Mary


8. Thomas is up to no good (again). Will he be caught out before the series end?
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Rob James-Collier as Thomas in 'Downton Abbey' Season 4 Episode 6
© ITV / Nick Briggs
Thomas in 'Downton Abbey' Episode 6


Downton Abbey continues on Sunday (October 27) at 9pm on ITV.

The fourth series of Downton Abbey has been packed full of dark twists and surprising plot turns, but writer Julian Fellowes might be about to top the lot if Dame Maggie Smith's character, the Dowager Countess is written out of the show.

In the 'Next Time' clips for episode seven, Violet Crawley was shown looking off-colour and a bit peaky in her sick bed. It could have been a classic teaser trick, getting us to worry and fret for seven days, only to find out that it's just a case of sniffles or an upset stomach from Mrs Patmore's dodgy soufflé.

However, that didn't stop a few worried tweets being posted out on Twitter last night.
We lost Sybil. We lost Matthew. But losing Violet? We're not sure the nation could quite recover from that.

Aged 78, you wouldn't blame Maggie Smith if she wanted to leave the ITV drama, but surely Lord Fellowes wouldn't just drop her out in episode 7 with a sudden bout of illness while her son Robert (Hugh Bonneville) is over in America?

Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary) has said on record that she doesn't think the show could go on without Maggie Smith and many viewers who have struggled through the sluggish middle episodes of series four would be inclined to agree.

The Dowager's head-to-heads with Isobel (Penelope Wilton) and Maggie's raised-eyebrow one-liners have often been the show's only saving grace recently.

However, Fellowes was ruthless with the departure of Dan Stevens and with a new baby on the horizon for Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael), the laws of Downton dictate that a death must follow. Let's just all hope and keep our fingers crossed that it isn't the Dowager.

Downton Abbey star Lily James has said that she would "love" to star in a fifth series.

Michelle Dockery - who plays Lady Mary - previously revealed that the hit ITV drama's "core cast" are signed up for another run.
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Lily James as Lady Rose in Downton Abbey episode 8
© ITV
Lily James as Lady Rose in Downton Abbey


"I'd love to [do it]," James (Lady Rose MacClare) told Digital Spy. "I'm really enjoying developing her.

"In the first year, she was in a bit of a whirlwind, a bit intense, so it's been really fun playing her this [fourth] series to find lights and shades and see the more sensitive side to her."
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Lily James as Lady Rose and Andrew Alexander as Sir John Bullock in 'Downton Abbey' episode 3
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Lady Rose and Sir John Bullock in 'Downton Abbey'


James - who will play the title role in 2015 movie Cinderella - also admitted that she was intrigued by the possibility of a Downton film.

"Why not?" said the 24-year-old. "[Though] our Christmas special is two hours anyway, so I guess they'd have to do something a bit different with it."

Wed 25 Dec 2013

8.30pm - 10.30pm

It's the summer season and as part of Rose's 'coming out' she is to be presented at Buckingham Palace. The family and servants are at Grantham House, their London residence, preparing for the busy social program. Not one to miss such a grand occasion, Cora's mother, Martha Levinson makes the journey from New York with her playboy son Harold, fresh from his recent brush with the law. Both outspoken and larger-than-life, they make quite an impression amongst certain members of London's high society, in particular with Lord Aysgarth, played by James Fox.

Isobel finds herself with an admirer while Edith is wrestling with a moral dilemma. Downstairs, Daisy gets an unexpected invitation and Carson treats the staff to a special day out. When the Crawleys are implicated in a scandal that threatens to engulf the monarchy, Robert will go to great lengths to protect the royal family, and his own.

The episode was filmed in spectacular locations in London and the south of England including Lancaster House, which was used to depict the interiors of Buckingham Palace when Cora presents Lady Rose to The King and Queen, Goldsmith’s College, as well as the beach at West Wittering in Sussex and Basildon Park in Berkshire, which was used for the interiors of the Crawley’s as yet previously unseen London residence.

The episode will feature our returning stars Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter, Penelope Wilton, Phyllis Logan, Samantha Bond, Laura Carmichael, Lily James, Allen Leech, Brendan Coyle, Joanne Froggatt, Lesley Nicol, Sophie McShera, Rob James-Collier, Ed Speleers, Cara Theobold, Kevin Doyle and Raquel Cassidy.

Making a return to Downton Abbey is Shirley MacLaine reprising her role as Martha Levinson, Cora’s mother, We also welcome back some familiar faces in Tom Cullen, Julian Ovenden, Daisy Lewis, Patrick Kennedy, Tim Drewe and Douglas Reith. Joining the cast for the Christmas episode is Emmy and Golden Globe winner Paul Giamatti portraying Cora’s brother Harold Levinson, BAFTA award winner James Fox, alongside Poppy Drayton, playing his daughter Madeline, Oliver Dimsdale who plays the Prince of Wales, Janet Montgomery, Guy Williams, playing King George V and Michael Benz as Harold Levinsons valet, Ethan.

Downton Abbey has been re-imagined in Lego.

Creator Eric Stevens made models of a number of the characters from the ITV period drama and even constructed Downton Abbey itself.
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Lego Downton Abbey
© Flickr / Eric Stevens
Lego Downton Abbey

"For the men, I used some of the alternate costumes rather than repeat the same tuxedo," Stevens told Mashable.

He added that the female characters were more difficult as Lego has not released any figures from the Downton Abbey time period.
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Lego Downton Abbey
© Flickr / Eric Stevens
Dowager Countess of Grantham
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Lego Downton Abbey
© Flickr / Eric Stevens
Carson

Stevens instead used pieces from sets including Prince of Persia, Indiana Jones and Star Wars.

The Harry Potter set also came in useful - the hat he gave to the Violet Crawley figure belongs to Professor McGonagall, as both characters are played by actress Maggie Smith.
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Lego Downton Abbey
© Flickr / Eric Stevens
Lego Downton Abbey cast

Characters created include Robert Crawley, Tom Branson, Mr Carson, Mr Bates, Thomas Barrow and the three Crawley sisters.

Downton Abbey executive producer Gareth Neame recently dismissed rumours that the drama will end after the next series.

So would love this Lego set :p

Sue Johnston will appear in the fifth series of Downton Abbey.

The Royle Family actress will appear in the upcoming series as Denker, the Lady's Maid of Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess.

It will be Johnston's first major role since leaving Coronation Street in February, after almost 18 months playing Gloria Price.

She joins other Downton guest stars Richard E Grant, Anna Chancellor and Rade Sherbedgia.

Meanwhile, Dame Harriet Walter will reprise her role as Lady Shackleton and Peter Egan will return as Lord Flintshire.

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes has called for the series to be simulcast to avoid storyline leaks.

The period drama will return to ITV for its fifth series in September, before a feature-length special airs at Christmas. The series will return to PBS in the US in January 2015.

ITV has released the first trailer for the eagerly anticipated fifth series of Downton Abbey, which will be on screen in the autumn.

It may only be 20 seconds long, but it suggests that the new series will see dramatic changes.

Series five will feature a string of top name guest stars including The Royle Family's Sue Johnston as Denker, Lady's Maid to the Dowager Countess.

Meanwhile, Dame Harriet Walker reprises her role as Lady Shackleton and Peter Egan returns as Lord Flintshire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plzAuzRBkR4

x-Coronation Street star Rob James-Collier has revealed he's wearing a very expensive wig during the current series of Downton Abbey.

The 37-year-old star normally sports luxuriant locks as scheming under butler Thomas Barrow, but just before shooting began on the new series he landed a role as a drugs dealer in upcoming British thriller Wayland's Song, which required him to have a skinhead cut.

He tells TV Times: "I begged Downton to let me shave my hair and they agreed – I bet they wish they hadn't after they'd seen the price of the wig - £4,000. They even put a few grey hairs into it, which was a bit harsh!"

Rob says the wig was so convincing that guest stars didn't notice at first.

"I'd be chatting to them for a couple of hours and then someone would adjust my hair and the star would go, 'Oh my God, it's a wig!'"

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Downton Abbey is set to go up in smoke in the first episode of series five, when a heartbroken Lady Edith Crawley accidentally sets fire to her bedroom.

Lady Edith, played by Laura Carmichael, is in bed weeping over her secret daughter, who she had to give up when her lover, Michael Gregson, mysteriously disappeared, but a book too close to the fireplace goes up in flames, putting the rest of the house and its inhabitants in danger.

Fans will see the family and servants scramble to get out in time and to save Downton, uncovering some house secrets along the way.

Executive producer Liz Trubridge said of putting together the stunt: "Because it was a stately home we couldn't set fire to it. The owners didn't want smoke damage to their house."

She explained that they had built a replica bedroom to burn at Ealing Studios, where Allen Leech's character Tom Branson hosed down the flames: "At the very end the cameramen got themselves in complete waterproof gear and were hosed down by Allen."

The series opener also sees the cast in 1924 having mixed reactions to the news that they have a Labour prime minister - some of the servants welcome the change, while butler Carson (Jim Carter) and members of the family including Hugh Bonneville's Earl of Grantham worry that their world is about to change, especially when the villagers ask Carson to chair a committee over the Earl.

Allen said that former chauffeur Tom, who now lives as part of the family with his daughter Sybbie after his marriage to the late Lady Sybil, would sympathise with those feeling the class system should be upset but would be unlikely to play a very active part in it.

He said: "It would be impossible for him to go back to the man he was. I think he's not as naive as he was when he arrived last year, but he's still very strong in his views."

Viewers will also see Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and John (Brendan Coyle) Bates struggling with whether to have a child. Asked if Anna's reluctance was due to worries that Bates was responsible for the death of Mr Green, after Lord Gillingham's valet raped her last season, Joanne said that wasn't the case.

She said: "I don't think Anna thinks for a moment that Bates is a serial killer. What I'd like to see for Anna and Bates as a viewer is different from what I'd like as an actor, because you like to play the drama, but it's important to have the happy times in between. They get moments of happiness and positivity for them, but it's not an easy journey."

Executive producer Gareth Neame promised more moments as shocking as the rape scene to come in series five: "We always try to have each season right angle moments you don't expect to happen, so I'd like to think so."

He added: "We hope to be back again next year. We think one year to the next so we'll see."

Anna Chancellor makes a guest appearance in the opening episode of Downton Abbey series five as an amorous aristocrat in pursuit of her former servant.

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The Four Weddings And A Funeral star plays Lady Anstruther, a widowed acquaintance of the family who drops in for tea and ends up staying the night at the house after claiming to have car trouble.

But the problems with her car turn out to be a smoke screen so that she can spend the night with Jimmy Kent (Ed Speleers), her former footman who she can't keep her hands off, and who admits he is unable to turn her down despite being embarrassed by her attentions.

Executive producer Liz Trubridge said of the guest cast this series: "We are very lucky on the show that we can attract incredible actors to come and play guest roles.

"Julian (Fellowes, creator) has a great skill in the economy of writing, in writing very satisfying stories in very short spaces of time."

Other guest stars this series include Richard E Grant who plays art historian Simon Bricker, and Sue Johnston who plays Gladys Denker.

The regular cast also includes some new faces, with child actors Oliver and Zac Barker taking on the role of Master George Crawley, and Fifi Hart as the late Lady Sybil's daughter Miss Sybil Branson.

Allen Leech, who plays Sybil's dad Tom Branson, said of the new young stars: "I became known as the whisperer, the dragon man and fire starter. If they were really good in takes, to entertain them we'd go in search of the dragons, because there are lots of dragon effigies around the grounds."

He added: "All of the fires we have on set are controlled by our special effects team so they would make them very high and very low, and I would pretend to control them with my hand.

"So basically, I turned them into fantasy-loving pyromaniacs."

Downton Abbey's fifth series is just around the corner, and despite an embarrassing incident with a plastic bottle in one of the promotional pictures dominating a lot of today's (August 14) coverage, there are also some exciting glimpses of what's in store for fans of the period drama.
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The Downton Abbey Series 5 cast
© ITV / Carnival

The first official pictures for the new series include a shot of Richard E Grant's "charming art historian" Simon Bricker, who will appear in four episodes.

Other new arrivals in series five include Royle Family actress Sue Johnston as Denker, lady's maid to Dame Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess, 4-year-old Fifi Hart as Sybbie, and twins Oliver and Zac Barker as George Crawley.
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Elizabeth McGovern as Cora, Countess of Grantham & Richard E Grant as Simon Bricker in Downton Abbey series 5 launch picture
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Richard E Grant joins the cast for series 5

Downton's executive producer Gareth Neame has promised "high-stakes drama, laugh-out-loud comedy and romance" in the new episodes.

It will start in the roaring 1920s, and Lady Mary is expected to have moved on from her mourning in the last series as the search for husband number two continues.

Branson's blossoming romance with teacher Miss Bunting is also expected to feature heavily in the series

The show's creator Julian Fellowes recently revealed that he would be "amazed" if there wasn't at least a sixth series of the drama.

Fellowes previously told Digital Spy that he thought it would be "quite fun" to do a Downton movie after the show has ended on TV.


Downton Abbey will return soon on ITV. :cheer::cheer::cheer:

American fans will get the fifth series on January 4, 2015 on PBS.

21st September, 9:00 - 10:00 PM :D


Returning to Downton in 1924, a new Labour government heralds changes that are being felt throughout the land, as well as above and below stairs.

Plans for a war memorial unexpectedly pit Carson against Robert and Mrs Hughes. While unwanted female attention spells trouble for Jimmy, Thomas gives Baxter an ultimatum. Branson’s burgeoning friendship causes Robert concern while Mary is ready to find love again. Cracks appear in Edith and Drewe’s special arrangement as she increasingly struggles to keep her emotions in check; this may have disastrous consequences for the whole household.

Violet, Dowager Countess Of Grantham- Maggie Smith
Robert, Earl Of Grantham - Hugh Bonneville
Lady Edith Crawley - Laura Carmichael
Mr Carson - Jim Carter
Baxter - Raquel Cassidy
John Bates - Brendan Coyle
Anthony Gillingham - Tom Cullen
Lady Mary Crawley - Michelle Dockery
Molesley - Kevin Doyle
Anna - Joanne Froggatt
Lady Rose - Lily James
Thomas - Robert James-Collier
Tom Branson - Allen Leech
Mrs Hughes - Phyllis Logan
Cora, Countess Of Grantham - Elizabeth Mcgovern
Daisy - Sophie Mcshera
Mrs Patmore - Lesley Nicol
Dr Clarkson - David Robb
Jimmy - Ed Speleers
Isobel Crawley - Penelope Wilton
Mrs Drewe - Emma Lowndes
Tim Drewe - Andrew Scarborough
Mrs Wigan - Helen Sheals
Headmaster - Patrick Brennan
Sarah Bunting - Daisy Lewis
Spratt - Jeremy Swift
Lady Shackleton - Harriet Walter
Lord Merton - Douglas Reith
Lady Anstruther - Anna Chancellor
Kitty Colthurst - Louise Calf

George Clooney is to star in the UK television series Downton Abbey, it has been reported. The actor will play an American character who is a guest at a wedding in the country estate.

The show, which will be broadcast at Christmas, was written to raise money for a charity fundraiser, called Text Santa for ITV. An ITV spokesperson said Clooney would appear in a sketch, but would not act in a full Christmas episode.

The Hollywood star has already filmed the scenes but a spokesperson for the period drama refused to give away any further details. However, it was reported that Clooney was set to appear alongside Hugh Bonneville and Michelle Dockery.

Clooney is reportedly a huge fan of Downton Abbey and is good friends with Bonneville, who plays Lord Robert Crawley. The pair became close after working on the war film, Monuments Men, together.

Earlier this year, it was also claimed that Clooney and his fiancée, Amal Alamuddin, considered choosing Highclere Castle, the Hampshire estate where Downton Abbey is filmed, as the venue for their upcoming wedding.

However, it has been suggested that this was an elaborate cover story – invented after he was spotted at the castle – in order to keep his Downton appearance a secret.

Sources told the Sun: "All the plans have been shrouded in secrecy because George was determined for his role not to leak out.

"All the other cast members and crew were also sworn to secrecy. It's amazing it's taken four months for someone to find out. This is the biggest moment in Downton history and shows it's now the biggest drama in the world."

The Text Santa fundraising appeal last year saw Cheryl Cole star in a special episode of Coronation Street. The singer was shown serving drinks in the Rovers Return, alongside Michelle Keegan, who played Tina McIntyre.

ITV said that all money raised from the show will go to charity.

28th September, 9.00PM

Episode two

With the house recovering from the night’s dramatic events, Robert is faced with a very difficult decision. As Daisy continues to struggle with her studies, Mrs Patmore has an idea which might solve everything. Thomas has it in for Baxter; will his meddling ruin her friendship with Molesley? As Rose tries to convince Robert of the virtues of a wireless at Downton, Lord Merton continues his hot pursuit of Isobel and when Mary puts her reputation on the line, Anna is made a reluctant accomplice.

Blimey! That fire engine got their quick. Is it parked in the Abbey's garage?

5th October

Episode three

Mary’s secret assignation is very nearly blown, but Violet’s quick thinking saves the day. Robert is left red faced and furious when things don’t go as planned. The events surrounding Green’s death are once again under scrutiny, while Mrs Patmore is devastated when old wounds are reopened but Carson is unsympathetic. Branson receives an interesting proposition concerning the future of the Downton estate, while a figure from Violet’s distant past suggests she has buried secrets of her own.

12th October


Episode four

Sarah Bunting continues to cause waves above stairs, but this time she may have gone too far. On returning to Downton, Thomas is suffering an inexplicable illness; Baxter suspects there’s more to it than he’s letting on. Meanwhile, Violet reveals to Isobel the surprising truth of her past with Prince Kuragin and Mary comes to a decision concerning Lord Gillingham, but things don’t go quite as planned. When Rose’s father Shrimpie returns to Downton, he breaks news that will shock the whole family.

19th October



Simon Bricker returns to Downton to discuss the painting with Cora, but this time has his flirting crossed the line?

Branson makes a difficult decision about Sarah Bunting, and Rose encounters a handsome stranger.

Determined to stop Isobel making the wrong decision about Lord Merton, Violet enlists the help of Doctor Clarkson, but things don’t quite go as planned.

Meanwhile in London, Charles Blake surprises Mary with a cunning plan to help her get exactly what she wants.

Downstairs, Mrs Patmore seeks Carson’s advice on a financial matter and Inspector Vyner returns with some ominous words of warning for Anna.

26th October

Episode five

Following last week’s altercation, relations between Robert and Cora are strained. Blake’s scheming starts to come to fruition, when Mary is unexpectedly pitted against her love rival. Edith receives some terrible news and decides to take drastic measures, leaving people reeling. Following a mysterious tip off, Baxter becomes embroiled in the investigation of Green’s death. Meanwhile, Thomas’s condition is deteriorating, prompting him to finally reveal the truth to Baxter. It’s not all bad news however; love is in the air for more than one member of the Crawley family.

2nd November

Episode seven

Rosamund arrives at Downton following Edith’s shock departure; will her secret finally be exposed to the family? Meanwhile, Rose is delighted to introduce Atticus and his parents to Downton for the first time.Downstairs, Molesley is concerned to see Daisy becoming disillusioned with her studies, and hatches a plan to bring her around. With the worst of their troubles seemingly over, Anna and Bates start thinking about life outside Downton. Isobel makes a happy announcement, but there may be trouble ahead. Violet has her hands full with her warring servants and Mary and Blake seize an opportunity to send Gillingham a strong message.

9th November

Episode eight

Preparations are underway for Rose’s big day, but family tensions on both sides threaten to derail proceedings. Edith’s arrangement with Marigold is happily working out, but how long can she and Cora conceal the truth from Robert? In London, Denker reveals an unexpected side to her personality, which causes trouble for more than one of the servants. With the war memorial due to be unveiled, Mrs Patmore is still upset but Robert has something up his sleeve. Meanwhile, Branson has come to a heart-wrenching decision and the storm clouds that have been gathering over Anna and Bates finally burst.

ITV commissions a sixth series of Downton Abbey



ITV and Carnival Films, the producers of Downton Abbey, today announce that production will begin early next year on a sixth series of the hit drama.



The globally successful and multi award-winning series, debuted on ITV in 2010 and has since been sold to over 250 territories worldwide. The fifth season, which comes to an end on Sunday 9th November, has been watched by an average of 10.4 million based on consolidated data per episode and will return at Christmas for a festive edition of the drama. Season 5 will premiere on MASTERPIECE on PBS on Sunday 4th January 2015.



Carnival’s Managing Director, Gareth Neame said:



“We have had an amazing reaction to the story lines, acting and production values of Downton Abbey this year and the whole team is thrilled to be moving ahead with a new season of the show. This will provide audiences with a fresh opportunity to see what will befall our much loved characters.”



ITV’s Director of Drama Commissioning, Steve November said,



"It is fantastic that Downton continues to be such a phenomenon - still the most popular drama on ITV in its fifth series - and we are thrilled to have commissioned a sixth series. We don't know yet what Julian has planned, but we are looking forward to working with him, the fantastic cast and Carnival again and have no doubt series six will be unmissable."



Downton Abbey is a Carnival Films/MASTERPIECE co-production.

The first preview of George Clooney in Downton Abbey has been released.

The Hollywood actor will feature in a comedy skit of the ITV drama as part of the channel's Text Santa telethon event on December 19.
http://vimeo.com/113294180

Phillip Schofield debuted a short clip of Clooney with Cora Crawley (Elizabeth McGovern) during his 24-hour presenting marathon on ITV.

Meanwhile, pictures of Clooney holding a clapperboard with his co-star Hugh Bonneville have also been released.

The pair also starred alongside each other in World War Two drama The Monuments Men.
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George Clooney and Hugh Bonneville for Text Santa: Downton Abbey on ITV
© ITV

Actress Laura Carmichael recently teased Clooney's cameo appearance, saying: "It's amazing and we didn't even know if it would actually happen until he turned up! We were filming away and then heard, 'He's here, he's here, he's arrived'.
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George Clooney and Hugh Bonneville for Text Santa: Downton Abbey on ITV
© ITV

"But he was wonderful and so brilliant and I'm very excited for everyone to see it."

Downton Abbey will return to ITV with a two-hour special on Christmas Day.

Christmas episode:

Episode synopsis

It's grouse season and Lord Sinderby, has rented out Brancaster Castle in Northumberland and invited the Crawley family to a shooting party. While good sport is enjoyed, Stowell (Armstrong) has an axe to grind and a scandalous secret threatens to undermine the holiday. Surprises are in store as the families become better acquainted with each other and some new faces arrive on the scene.

Meanwhile the servants hold the fort back at Downton. As Anna faces an uncertain future behind bars, Bates takes drastic measures in a bid to clear her name. Baxter and Molesley are busy on a joint plan and Carson and Mrs Hughes consider a business venture.

Press release

ITV and Carnival Films, the producers of Downton Abbey, today announce details of the Downton Abbey Christmas episode which rejoins the family in the early autumn of 1924. The two hour episode will be shown on ITV at Christmas.

Joining the cast as a guest star is Alun Armstrong (New Tricks, Braveheart, Sleepy Hollow). He plays Stowell - Butler to Lady Rose’s new in-laws, the Sinderbys’.
Also joining is BAFTA Award nominee, Jane Lapotaire (Blind Justice) who will play the much talked about Princess Irina, wife of Prince Kuragin (Rade Sherbedgia).

It's grouse season and Lord Sinderby, has rented out Brancaster Castle in Northumberland and invited the Crawley family to a shooting party. While good sport is enjoyed, Stowell (Armstrong) has an axe to grind and a scandalous secret threatens to undermine the holiday. Surprises are in store as the families become better acquainted with each other and some new faces arrive on the scene.

Meanwhile the servants hold the fort back at Downton. As Anna faces an uncertain future behind bars, Bates takes drastic measures in a bid to clear her name. Baxter and Molesley are busy on a joint plan and Carson and Mrs Hughes consider a business venture.

Alnwick Castle, in Northumberland, was used as the location for Brancaster Castle. Production spent two weeks in Northumberland and filmed in the spectacular interior rooms as well as the incredible Hulne Abbey and shooting on the estate.

The episode will feature returning stars Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter, Penelope Wilton, Phyllis Logan, Laura Carmichael, Lily James, Allen Leech, Brendan Coyle, Joanne Froggatt, Lesley Nicol, Sophie McShera, Robert James-Collier, Kevin Doyle, Raquel Cassidy, Sue Johnston, Jeremy Swift, Douglas Reith, Fifi Hart and Zac and Oliver Barker.

Making a return to Downton Abbey are James Faulkner and Penny Downie as Lord and Lady Sinderby, along with their son, and Lady Rose’s husband, Atticus Aldridge, played by Matt Barber. Rade Sherbedgia will also reprise his role as Prince Kuragin and Michael Fox will play footman Andy.

Did anyone watch the latest series of Downton? I've got it all recorded but don't really fancy watching it. I really loved the first series but have enjoyed each consecutive series less and less.

What's people's opinion of the recent series?

Loved every episode, Dazzle .. I am looking forward to the Christmas episode and the next series.