Downton Abbey

[Perdita]

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.

[Perdita]

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.

[Perdita]

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.

[Perdita]

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.

[Perdita]

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.

[tammyy2j]

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.

[Perdita]

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.


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.

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'.

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.

[Perdita]

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.

[Dazzle]

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?

[Perdita]

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