Downton Abbey

[Perdita]

© WENN / FayesVision
Joan Collins may be making a cameo appearance in the next series of Downton Abbey.

According to the Daily Express, producers of the hit ITV drama are keen to recruit the veteran actress for a role in the show's third run, which will be filming in spring 2012 for an autumn premiere.

It is alleged that Collins may play a cousin of Dame Maggie Smith's character Violet Crawley.

"A number of cameos are being planned for the next series and Joan's name is top of the list," a source said. "It's hoped she can be persuaded to appear in at least one episode."

The Downton Abbey Christmas special, which was broadcast on Christmas Day, featured a guest appearance from Nigel Havers, who played fortune hunter Lord Hepworth.

Coronation Street star Kym Marsh has also recently spoken of her desire to join the cast of Downton Abbey alongside former colleague Rob-James Collier, who plays valet Thomas.

[alan45]

How could anyone compare Joan Collins with Dame Maggie Smith.

[Chloe O'brien]

Well I watched it today as I missed it over Christmas and what can I say it was fab, Dame Maggie was on top form with her costic remarks and we're all cheering when Matthew thumped Carlile. It will be and long year awaiting it's return but at least we have the boxset to keep us entertained.

[alan45]

Downton Abbey was the most watched TV programme at Christmas, beating EastEnders into second place, according to official numbers.
Initial overnight figures suggested the BBC’s long-running soap had pipped the period drama for the coveted position.
But it achieved an audience of 11.59million compared with EastEnders’ 11.33million when including viewers who recorded the ITV 1 show to watch later and those who preferred to see the fictional Grantham estate in High Definition.
The new figures from ratings firm Barb does not take into account viewers who tuned into repeats or who watched the programmes on catch-up services such as the BBC iPlayer or ITV player.

Doctor Who came third, with 10.77million viewers, while Coronation Street finished with 10.56million.
In fifth place was the return of Absolutely Fabulous, starring Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, with 9.07million.
Poor viewing: Despite millions tuning in to see Pat Butcher's final appearance, the BBC lost out to ITV
Taking into account viewers who do not watch shows live has become increasingly important for TV producers.
With more people able to watch recorded versions of their favourite show, it has allowed some shows to increase viewing figures substantially.
On Christmas Day 9.9million watched EastEnders, with just 8.1million choosing Downton Abbey – both shows were on at the same time.
It means more than 3million watched a recording of the show, perhaps in a bid to be able to skip the adverts


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...#ixzz1iTTTdYU8

[parkerman]

with just 8.1million choosing Downton Abbey – both shows were on at the same time.
It means more than 3million watched a recording of the show, perhaps in a bid to be able to skip the adverts

I was one of those!

[Perdita]

I was one of those!

So was I

[alan45]

I was one of those!

So was I

I had to watch it again because I didnt get peace at Christmas with the great-nieces and nephew

[Chloe O'brien]

I was at my sisters on Christmas day so I never got the chance to see it. My sister went into her room to watch it and I kept sneaking in to ask her if Matthew and Mary were together then say, NO don't tell me. Great news for Downton.

[Perdita]

Brendan Coyle has been nominated for his first Irish Film And Television Award for his role in Downton Abbey.
The actor, who has become an unlikely hearthrob for his role as Mr Bates in the ITV period drama, is up for best supporting actor in a television role.
He's up against actors including Aidan Gillen for Game Of Thrones and Robert Sheehan for Misfits.
Robert's Misfits co-star Ruth Negga has been nominated for the role of Shirley Bassey in Shirley.
In the film categories, period piece Albert Nobbs, rural drama Stella Days and black comedy The Guard will go head to head at the ceremony next month.
The scriptwriters of each film are also nominated, including renowned author John Banville and Hollywood actress Glenn Close who penned Albert Nobbs.
Actors nominated for a lead role are Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy star Ciaran Hinds, The Guard's Brendan Gleeson, Michael Fassbender for his performance in Steve McQueen's drama Shame, and Martin Sheen for his role as an Irish priest in Stella Days.
Sheen's co-star Marcella Plunkett has also been nominated with Antonia Campbell Hughes (The Other Side Of Sleep), Aoife Duffin (Behold The Lamb) and Saoirse Ronan (Hanna) in the lead actress category.
Presented by actor Simon Delaney, the 9th IFTAs will be broadcast in Ireland on Saturday February 11 from the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD).

PA

[Perdita]

Thank you Mr Julian Fellowes, thank you to all of the cast and crew of Downton Abbey and thank you Santa for bringing me the boxset of Series 1 and 2. Having watched the DVDs over 2 days without interruption has given me immense pleasure and I know I shall be viewing them again and again, just awesome, something I don't say too often about tv shows or films.