Downton Abbey debuted in 2010, establishing itself as a cherished series that spanned six seasons plus two earlier movies.
The conclusion served as a tribute to Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away aged 89 last September.
Her character, The Dowager Countess, was written off by her death in the 2022 picture, Downton Abbey: A New Era, though her memory was celebrated in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Michelle Dockery has addressed the ending of the final Downton Abbey(Image: Nick Briggs/Carnival Films)
As the finale wrapped up with an emotional ending, following Lady Mary as a divorcee and single mother overcoming scandal, viewers saw visions of the family and servants dancing together with Violet Crawley, with the camera resting on a portrait of Dame Maggie.
However, Michelle has now revealed there were alternate endings in mind.
She told The Hollywood Reporter: “There were a couple of versions of the ending. There was another version where you saw Mary go back to work, she goes into the library and she sits at her desk.
“They decided to end it on the tribute to Maggie, which I think is the best ending. I always felt that it was the right way to finish.
Dame Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey(Image: ITV)
“[Mary, Cora and Robert] are saying their goodbyes and I think that’s for the audience – this feeling of moving on and saying farewell to each other.”
She added: “It feels quite hopeful. I also like that at the end of this story, Mary ends up as a single woman. There’s a new chapter ahead of her, she’s happier, and she’s excited to take the reins and become the lady of the house. It’s the end, but it feels like it’s ongoing.”
Creator Julian Fellowes previously spoke about dedicating the film to Dame Maggie: “I think we all felt that if there was a third film, we wanted it to be haunted by Maggie.
Downton Abbey came to an end with a third and final film(Image: AP)
“There is a theme of Maggie going through the film, and then at the end, you see her when Mary is having all her flashbacks. I like that. She was an iconic figure … And that’s another reason to finish.”
He added: “I think the actors had had enough – in the nicest way, there were a lot of good friendships and we’ll always meet as members of the Downton club … But I also feel that, in life, you must know when to let go of things, whether it’s professional or romantic or anything else.
“There is a moment when you think, ‘It’s time to bring this to an end.’ And I felt that about the show.”
“Take tissues,” one viewer advised on Rotten Tomatoes, as another fan shared: “They wrapped up the whole saga so well. I was crying. Beautiful and triumphant.”
A third wrote: “Loved this movie. It wrapped up loose ends and answered questions. The ending did make me cry. I’m very sorry to see it over.”
Tom Branson and Lady Mary return for the final Downton Abbey movie(Image: Rory Mulvey/Focus Features)
What is Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale about?
The synopsis for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale reads: “The cinematic return of the global phenomenon follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s.
“When Mary finds herself at the centre of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace.
“The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepares for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future.”
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How many Downton Abbey movies are there?
There are three Downton Abbey movies in total, with Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale confirmed as the third and final film in the franchise.
The first movie, entitled Downton Abbey, came out in 2019, while second film Downton Abbey: A New Era was released in 2022.
Downton Abbey is one of the most popular period dramas of all time(Image: Rory Mulvey/Focus Features)
How long is Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale?
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is exactly 125 minutes long, meaning the run time is 2 hours and 5 minutes.
The original 2019 Downton Abbey film had a similar run time of 122 minutes, while sequel film Downton Abbey: A New Era was also exactly 125 minutes long.
How many seasons of Downton Abbey are there?
There are six seasons of Downton Abbey in total, with season 1 first airing on ITV in 2010 and the final season airing in 2015, finishing with a Christmas special.
The award-winning show’s incredible popularity meant that it became the most successful British costume drama since ITV’s 1981 TV adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited.
The cast of Downton Abbey are bidding a final farewell(Image: Rory Mulvey/Focus Features)
Where can you watch Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale?
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is now available to watch in cinemas across the UK and is anticipated to stay in theatres for several weeks.
Where can you watch Downton Abbey?
The original 2010 series of Downton Abbey is available to stream in its entirety on ITVX.
The 2019 film Downton Abbey is also available to stream for free if you have a subscription to Disney Plus or Prime Video, while the 2022 sequel Downton Abbey: A New Era is free to stream on ITVX.
A REAL-LIFE Downton Abbey couple have revealed they’re secretly married – four years after welcoming their first baby.
Laura Carmichael and Michael C. Fox went public in 2016, but began dating two years earlier.
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Michael C. Fox and Laura Carmichael have been together since 2014Credit: Splash
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Laura portrays Lady Edith Crawley (right)Credit: AP
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A third feature film is wrapping up Downton’s storyCredit: Alamy
They play Lady Edith Crawley and Andrew Parker respectively in the smash-hit period drama.
In 2021, the co-star couple welcomed their first child, son Luca, into the world.
Michael, 36, has now seemingly confirmed that he and Laura have tied the knot.
Speaking at NBC‘s Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale, he said: “I owe a lot to this show.
Read more on Downton Abbey
“I think so much of my life has been shaped around this show.”
Co-star Lesley Nicol – who plays Mrs Patmore – then asked: “What if someone said you’re actually going to find your wife and have a child? Life-changing stuff.”
To which Michael replied: “I know. It’s incredible.”
The Sun has contacted Michael’s representatives for comment.
Meanwhile, the event marked Downton Abbey‘s conclusion – spanning 15 years worth of a TV series and now three feature films.
A source told the Sun on Sunday: at the time: “Laura and Michael absolutely love being parents and were grateful to have some time away from the limelight to enjoy the moment.
“Laura’s taken motherhood in her stride and it’s added another string to her bow.”
Meanwhile, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale features Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern as the Earl and Countess of Grantham, as well as Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley and Jim Carter as Mr Carson.
The beloved original series ran from 2010 to 2015 on ITV and PBS in the US.
Ahead of the third film‘s release, Hugh told how it will pay tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith.
The screen legend playedViolet Crawley,the Dowager Countess of Grantham.
Hugh told The Chris Evans Breakfast Show with The National Lottery on Virgin Radio UK: “It’s very much set in the house and saying goodbye to all these characters and we obviously say goodbye to Dame Maggie, which was very poignant on screen and now in real life.”
“She’ll be sorely missed. But the final film will obviously be a great lasting tribute to her.”
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Michael plays Andy Parker across the Downton franchise (pictured alongside Laura Haddock)Credit: Alamy
Ancestry has uncovered which Downton Abbey actors’ real-life family stories mirror their characters ahead of the hit ITV show’s upcoming third and final film
The Downton Abbey cast have all collaborated for a third and final movie(Image: Getty Images)
New research shows some of the cast of Downton Abbey have real life similarities in their families compared to their on screen roles
With a new third and final film about the ITV period drama released into cinemas this week on September 12, the results from family history site Ancestry uncover which actors’ real-life family stories mirror their characters and which tell a very different story.
Michael Fox who plays butler Andy Parker has a three-times-great-grandfather who was a butler and great-great-grandfather a chauffeur. It seems he was almost destined to play a loyal footman. This was uncovered using marriage and census records.
Downton Abbey is back for a third film(Image: TV Grab)
Allen Leech is well known as Chauffeur turned Estate Manager Tom Branson. Like Branson, Allen comes from a family of principled public servants. Using an obituary from the Drogheda Independent in 1962 it can be revealed his great-grandfather Thomas Leech was an Irish peace commissioner known for his honesty and integrity, and may well have inspired one of Branson’s iconic speeches.
Lesley Nichol’s character Mrs Patmore had a loveable role in the Downton kitchen, in real life her ancestors were shepherds, butchers and wine merchants showing a real-life passion for food and drink that mirrors Mrs Patmore.
The 1911 Census of England and Wales record shows Henry Thomas Isaac, butcher.
Harry Hadden-Paton was Bertie Pelham in the ITV series and Bertie is an expert at estate management.
This is similar to Harry’s three-times-great-grandfather, a banker called Henry G Marquand involved in major railroad interests who might have been able to save the Crawleys from financial ruin. This was discovered via a report in a copy of a Chicago Tribune newspaper from 1902.
Laura House, DNA and Family History Expert at Ancestry, said: “Downton Abbey has captivated audiences with its stories of class, conflict, and connection.
“These real-life discoveries show just how closely some of the cast’s personal histories align with the roles they play. From wartime heroes to world-travelling diplomats and hardworking cooks, it’s a reminder that fascinating stories lie in all of our family trees waiting to be discovered.”
The new third film follows the much-loved Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s.
Lady Mary finds herself at the centre of a public scandal going through divorce, the family faces financial trouble, and the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace.
The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepares for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future and off into the sunset.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is being released this week and despite the subtitle of the film, it’s already been teased that the story may not be over for fans just yet
Downton Abbey star Allen Leech has teased that a prequel could be released in the future(Image: Focus Features LLC/ Rory Mulvey. All Rights Reserved)
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale fans are expecting to bid farewell to characters from the beloved franchise when it’s released on Friday. The third film in the series, it follows on from Downton Abbey (2019) and A New Era (2022).
Focusing on the Crawley family and their staff as they navigate how to lead Downton Abbey into the future, the film sees the story enter the 1930s. It’s previously been teased that it will “close off” the stories that began on the ITV show, which ran for six seasons from 2010 to 2015.
Despite being billed as the “grand finale,” it’s been suggested that fans may not have to say goodbye just yet. There’s been hints about potential spin-offs already and it’s now teased that a prequel series could be underway in the future.
It’s been teased that a potential Downton Abbey spin-off could explore the backstory of Violet Crawley, played by the late Maggie Smith (right), pictured beside Penelope Wilton (left)(Image: PA Photo/Focus Features, LLC/Ben Blackall)
Allen Leech, known for his role as former chauffeur Tom Branson, has teased that the story may not be over despite the marketing of the film. He’s suggested that a future prequel could delve into the backstory of Violet Crawley, played by the late Dame Maggie Smith.
Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, was a matriarchal figure in the franchise but was killed off in the second film, released three years ago. Cast member Maggie then herself died, aged 89, just last year.
Allen, 44, said on Virgin Radio this week that Violet’s history could be explored in a prequel project. He shared that it could be in the pipeline moving forward, following rumours last year of a spin-off about Violet’s younger years.
Speaking on the Ryan Tubridy Show, he said: “I was chatting to the director, yesterday, Simon [Curtis], over lunch and he was saying there is a great poignancy about this movie, not just for Downton fans but for anyone. It’s about letting go and it’s about moving on.”
Asked about the potential for more stories, he said: “From what I hear, the plan is if they’re ever gonna do anything with it, they’re either gonna go back in time and [do a] prequel [about Violet] in her younger years, which would be very interesting.”
Allen added that a project set in the 1970s at the property could be on the cards instead. He said: “Or they’re gonna go seventies [and] all the debauched madness that happened in the house then. I think it’d be kind of interesting.”
The upcoming film has previously been described as a “last tributing” to Maggie. Speaking on the radio station last year, her on-screen son Hugh Bonneville, 61, said about the latest film: “It’s very much set in the house and saying goodbye to all these characters and we obviously say goodbye to Dame Maggie, which was very poignant on screen and now in real life. She’ll be sorely missed. But the final film will obviously be a great lasting tribute to her.”
Maggie had been among the cast when Downton Abbey first aired in the UK in 2010. It later proved popular in the US and its six seasons have been followed by the film continuations. As well as receiving critical acclaim, the show is said to have boosted tourism to villages like Bampton in Oxfordshire and Highclere Castle in Hampshire.
Speaking ahead of the third film’s release, creator Julian Fellowes, 76, told the Writing Studio: “It feels quite complete. I’m not saying we’ll never see Downton Abbey in any other form – one should never say never, but I think it feels natural and right that we have made the journey with the original concept and the original cast, so I’m rather pleased about that.”
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes has previously suggested that he wouldn’t rule out spin-offs in the future(Image: Getty Images)
The new film is being released alongside the ITV special Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale later this week(Image: ITV)
He has however suggested that several characters could be worthy of spin-offs. Discussing the prospect of one centred on Thomas Barrow, played by Rob James-Collier, Julian told RadioTimes: “I think you could make a case for many of them.”
Fans eager for more Downton Abbey don’t have long to wait as ITV will also be releasing a special about the franchise on the day of the film’s release. It’s teased that the doors to the iconic property will be “opening one last time” for Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale as the cast reunite to share memories and secrets from the last 15 years.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is released on Friday in the UK. Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale will be available on ITVX then too and the special will later air on ITV3 on Saturday at 9pm.
After 52 episodes and three movies, the world of “Downton Abbey” is coming to a heartwarming conclusion — for now, at least. The series and the previous two films, 2019’s “Downton Abbey” and 2022’s “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” have followed several characters over an 18-year period, both from the upstairs and downstairs of the grand house. While viewers already said goodbye to the imperious Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith), in the last film when she tragically died onscreen surrounded by her family, there are still many more farewells to come. Here is where we left some of the key characters as “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” arrives in theaters Sept. 12.
Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery)
Michelle Dockery in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”
(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features)
Lady Mary wasn’t always in line to take over Downton Abbey, but her ill-fated marriage to Matthew Crawley and the birth of their son George ensured that she could be at the helm of the estate, at least until George came of age. Mary eventually remarried toward the end of the series, to race car driver Henry Talbot, but “The Grand Finale” sees the couple divorced and Mary on the outs from society. Still, she has clever ideas about how to keep Downton Abbey afloat and to push it into the modern age as she finally takes the reins from her father. “From the start, she always had a strong personality,” creator Julian Fellowes told The Times in 2022. “And I think what we’ve watched over the years is how she has come to harness her strength, master it and use it to achieve what she wants.”
Edith Pelham (Laura Carmichael)
Laura Carmichael, right, and Elizabeth McGovern in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”
(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features)
For many years Lady Edith was the passed-over second daughter, but by the end of the series she was firmly ensconced as the formidable Marchioness of Hexham. She and her husband Herbert “Bertie” Pelham are happily raising two children and she has become a voice of reason for Mary, offering counsel to the sister who once overshadowed her. “The Grand Finale” even gives Edith a satisfying moment of fortitude when she stands up for the family. “By the time we leave her, Edith is a strong woman and capable of big decisions,” Fellowes says.
Robert and Cora Crawley (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern)
Elizabeth McGovern and Hugh Bonneville in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”
(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features)
The Crawley clan’s patriarch and matriarch have gone through a lot since “Downton Abbey” premiered, including the loss of their daughter Sybil and multiple financial challenges. Cora dealt with a health scare in “A New Era” while both grieved the death of Violet, whose presence still looms in “The Grand Finale.” Although he technically left Mary in charge of Downton Abbey at the end of “A New Era,” Robert is struggling to settle into the next chapter of his life. It’s up to Cora, his always-steady companion, to help him move forward.
Tom Branson (Allen Leech)
Allen Leech in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”
(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features)
After heroically saving the day in the first “Downton Abbey” film, the widowed Tom married Lucy Smith (Tuppence Middleton) in “Downtown Abbey: A New Era,” giving his daughter Sybbie a mother once again. By the end of the second film, Tom and Lucy have a baby of their own and are living away from Downton. The character already got his much-deserved happily ever after and now shows up to dole out sage advice and support for the family. “I felt Tom Branson was the only one we hadn’t really settled in the series,” Leech told me in 2019. Now, he is.
Daisy Mason (Sophie McShera) and Andrew Parker (Michael Fox)
Sophie McShera, second from left, in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”
(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features )
Daisy began her journey at Downton Abbey as a belabored kitchen maid, but eventually the estate’s revered cook Mrs. Patmore took her under her wing. She married the dying William Mason during the series and later settled down with Andrew Parker, a footman in the house who has now taken over for Mr. Carson. In the spirit of the younger generation stepping forward, Daisy takes over the kitchen in “The Grand Finale,” an important moment of growth for the character.
Isobel Crawley (Penelope Wilton)
From left, Penelope Wilton, Allen Leech, Michelle Dockery and Paul Giamatti in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”
(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features)
It took some time for Isobel to establish herself at Downton Abbey, but her friendship with the Dowager Countess and her relationship to the family became invaluable throughout the series. She married Richard Grey after her son Matthew’s death and continued her good work with the community’s hospital throughout the episodes. Following Violet’s passing, Isobel has taken up the mantle to organize the county fair — a job that comes with some challenges.
Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt) and John Bates (Brendan Coyle)
Joanne Froggatt in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”
(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features)
Anna Bates has always been one of Downton Abbey’s most loyal servants and a thoughtful friend to Lady Mary. She married valet John Bates at the beginning of Season 3 and the couple went through numerous ups and downs in the years that followed, including several miscarriages. They got a much-deserved happy end in the series finale when Anna gave birth to their first child. The films haven’t shaken their contentment and “The Grand Finale” brings another uplifting arrival for the pair.
Joseph Molesley (Kevin Doyle)
Kevin Doyle, left, and Michael Fox in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”
(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features)
Mr. Molesley endeared audiences with his hapless but well-meaning misadventures in the series, eventually transitioning from footman to local schoolteacher. He got his due in “A New Era” when he proved himself to be a skilled screenwriter and charmed Phyllis Baxter. In “The Grand Finale,” the couple are married and Mr. Molesley is endeavoring to boost his film career, although he hasn’t left his time at Downtown Abbey in the past.
The show based on a famous gothic novel was adapted for the BBC in a 2014 miniseries and it stars a familiar face from Downton Abbey.
Jessica Brown Findlay plays Mary and Jessica Brown Findlay plays Jem(Image: BBC)
BBC enthusiasts have been left gobsmacked by a period drama miniseries they’re calling a “masterpiece” – and it’s crafted from the pages of a novel by a “queen of the genre”. The gothic tale of Jamaica Inn, penned by Daphne Du Maurier in 1936, has been brought to life in a gripping 2014 adaptation.
Set against the backdrop of 1821, Jamaica Inn spins the story of Mary Yellan, who after the heartbreak of losing her mother, goes to live with her aunt at the eponymous coaching inn in Cornwall. However, Mary soon discovers the inn’s lack of guests hides a dark secret, as she stumbles upon a nest of criminal dealings and finds herself entangled in romance with a dashing petty thief.
The series features Downton Abbey star Jessica Brown Findlay portraying the intrepid Mary and Matthew McNulty as her roguish love interest Jem Merlyn, joined by Emmerdale‘s own Danny Miller and Andrew Scarborough.
BBC fans are raving over a ‘beautiful’ period drama(Image: BBC)
One critique read: “This adaptation struck the right mood, it seemed to me – dark and subtly sinister.”
Another viewer was enchanted, describing it as “dark and beautiful”, and adding: “Very beautiful adaptation of the Du Maurier classic novel to a TV mini-series. There is a reason why Hitchcock directed this back in 1939. The atmosphere set is hypnotic at times.
“The music is well-chosen. It sets the right mood. When I first read the book, I imagined the setting to be similar but not quite as beautiful as shown here.”
The series received mixed reviews at the time(Image: BBC)
The New York Times lauded the novel behind the adaptation, hailing it as a work by “the queen of the form”, and an ideal read for “readers of Gothic thrillers”.
Jamaica Inn is no stranger to screen adaptations; its most renowned version was Alfred Hitchcock’s 1939 film.
The story also graced television screens in an ITV miniseries back in 1983 with Jane Seymour taking the lead, and it even crossed over into French television with a TV movie in 1995.
Jamaica Inn is available to stream on ITV Premium.
Downton Abbey first premiered on ITV 15 years ago but was has the cast been up to since then?
11:46, 16 Jul 2025Updated 11:46, 16 Jul 2025
Downton Abbey made its debut on ITV screens in 2010(Image: ITV)
The beloved ITV drama Downton Abbey has held a cherished spot in the hearts of telly enthusiasts since its debut in 2010, and it’s no surprise that viewers are clamouring for more. Set between 1912 and 1926, this British series is centred around the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey, tracing the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic staff.
Featuring a roster of adored television actors, the programme delves into several pivotal historical events, such as the First World War, the Spanish flu pandemic, the Irish War of Independence, and the decline of the British aristocracy. Downton Abbey garnered worldwide praise, captivating audiences and critics alike, and securing numerous award nominations, including Golden Globes and Primetime Emmy Awards.
Following its conclusion in 2015, the show’s extraordinary success led to the production of two feature films in 2019 and 2022, with a third one anticipated to grace the screens in 2025.
Given the extensive cast, it’s hardly shocking that many have gone on to achieve significant success on the telly or have emerged as rising stars in the realm of television and cinema. Below we delve into what the cast of Downton Abbey is doing now, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Hugh’s performance in Downton Abbey was widely acclaimed(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
Hugh Bonneville – Robert Crawley, Lord Grantham
Lord Grantham, the head of the Crawley family, was profoundly dedicated to his ancestral home at Downton and was committed to preserving the estate for future generations.
Hugh’s performance in Downton Abbey was widely acclaimed, earning him two Emmy nominations and a nod from the Golden Globes.
Post-Downton, Hugh has remained a fixture on British telly, while also making waves in Hollywood with roles such as Henry Brown in the Paddington films, Muppets Most Wanted and Bank of Dave.
He recently graced our screens in The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, Douglas Is Cancelled and the BBC drama The Gold.
Laura Carmichael – Lady Edith Crawley
The empathetic Edith had no desire for marriage but was keen to carve out her own career in journalism. She suffered her fair share of heartbreak – being left at the altar by Sir Anthony Strallan and losing her second fiancé Michael Gregson.
Beyond Downton, Laura has appeared in dramas like Marcella, The Spanish Princess and The Secrets She Keeps.
Off-screen, Laura is in a relationship with her Downton Abbey co-star Michael C. Fox, and they have a son together.
Michelle Dockery – Lady Mary Josephine Talbot
At first, Lady Mary was a petulant and frosty young woman, but as the series unfolded, she displayed more vulnerability and kindness. Tragically, she lost her husband Matthew following the birth of their son, and later married racing driver Henry.
Michelle has taken on roles in Anatomy of a Scandal, This Town, Godless and Good Behaviour (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Focus Features)
Since her Downton days, Michelle Dockery has taken on roles in Anatomy of a Scandal, This Town, Godless, Good Behaviour and the films The Gentlemen and Here.
Michelle is currently wed to Jasper Waller-Bridge, brother of Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Dame Maggie Smith – Violet Crawley
Dame Maggie Smith had already cemented her status as acting royalty with her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and her dual Oscar wins for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite.
In her later years, she was honoured in the documentary Nothing Like a Dame alongside Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins and Joan Plowright. Her recent works include A Boy Called Christmas and The Miracle Club.
The much-loved actress sadly passed away at 89 in September last year.
Jessica Brown Findlay – Lady Sybil Crawley
Jessica was selected to play Lady Sybil Crawley, the youngest and most progressive of the Grantham daughters. She is the family’s most politically active member and strongly advocates for treating Downton’s staff as equals.
Fans will remember Sybil’s romance with the family’s chauffeur, Thomas Branson, and its tragic conclusion.
Since her Downton days, Jessica has graced our screens in a variety of TV shows including BBC One’s Jamaica Inn, The Outcast, Harlots, and Netflix’s Castlevania. She is set to star in ITVX’s drama Playing Nice and Mother Mary in the forthcoming period.
Her other roles include Elizabeth in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Linder Sterling in England Is Mine and Munich: The Edge of War.
Dan Stevens – Matthew Reginald Crawley
Matthew Reginald Crawley, a middle-class distant relative of the Crawleys, became the heir to the estate in the first episode and subsequently moved to Downton. He was paralysed from the waist down during the First World War but recovered and married Lady Mary.
Dan has had roles in Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga and Legion
Tragically, he died in a car accident while driving home from the hospital. He left his share of Downton to Mary.
Dan has since carved out a successful career in film and TV, with roles in Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, FX series Legion, animated series Solar Opposites and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
Elizabeth McGovern – Cora Crawley
Known as the Countess of Grantham, she was the wealthy American heiress who helped save Downton. Compassionate Cora opened up Downton to soldiers during the First World War and served on the hospital board.
The American actress reprised her role for the Downton Abbey films and also appeared in the film The Chaperone. Elizabeth has also pursued her musical interests with band Sadie and the Hotheads.
Elizabeth is wed to British film director and producer Simon Curtis, who helmed the 2022 film and its yet-to-be-named sequel slated for release in 2025.
Lily James – Lady Rose Aldridge/MacClare
Audiences witnessed Lady Rose frequently at odds with others and maintaining a strained relationship with her mother. As the series unfolded, Rose matured and tied the knot with Atticus Aldridge, son of Lord and Lady Sinderby, and they have a daughter together.
Lily was nominated for a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award for her depiction of Pamela Anderson(Image: Ian West//PA Wire)
Lily, who initially rose to fame during her time on Downton Abbey, later received nominations for a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award for her depiction of Pamela Anderson in Pam and Tommy. The British actress has also featured in films such as The Dig, The Iron Claw, Baby Driver, Yesterday and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
Jim Carter – Charles Carson
As the butler in Downton, audiences quickly warmed to Charles’ professionalism, charisma and loyalty to the family. He was an invaluable aid to the family, particularly supporting Lady Mary through her period of mourning over Matthew.
The seasoned actor, known for his stage and TV roles before joining Downton Abbey, saw his career continue to flourish after the series. He appeared in Transformers: The Last Knight, The Good Liar, The Sea Beast and Wonka.
Jim has also lent his voice to numerous historical documentaries about Stonehenge, the Royal family, World War II and the National Trust.
Joanne Froggatt – Anna Bates
Anna Bates, portrayed by Joanne Froggatt, was a central character in Downton Abbey, involved in some of the most emotional and gripping storylines, including love, marriage, and loss, all while serving Lady Mary Crawley and her family.
Joanne’s heartfelt performance earned her three Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe award.
Since leaving Downton, Joanne has voiced the character Wendy in Bob the Builder and appeared in TV shows such as Liar, Angela Black, Sherwood, and North Shore. She also reprised her role for the Downton Abbey films.
Downton Abbey actress Phyllis Logan was reunited with her husband Kevin McNally on-screen in the latest instalment of a Channel 5 crime drama
Downton Abbey actress with real-life husband on Channel 5’s Murder Most Puzzling (Image: GETTY)
Downton Abbey’s Phyllis Logan has been reunited on our screens with her real-life spouse, Kevin McNally, in Channel 5’s gripping crime series, Murder Most Puzzling.
The show, an adaptation of the much-lauded Puzzle Lady Mysteries from the mind of author Parnell Hall, follows sleuth Cora Felton whose exceptional crossword-solving talents see her become a surprising asset to the police department in a sleepy town.
McNally, known for his roles in epic franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and acclaimed series including The Crown and Unforgotten, portrays Gilbert – a potential romantic fixture in Cora’s life.
According to the episode narrative, “Cora is distracted by love, as she’s wooed by a charming suitor, Gilbert. When Sherry says he seems too good to be true, it causes a rift between the women but plants a seed of doubt in Cora’s mind.”
Kevin McNally and Phyllis Logan in Murder Most Puzzling(Image: Channel 5)
Phyllis first encountered Kevin on the set of Love and Reason, back in 1993. It wasn’t until well into their workforce years that they tied the knot in 2011, after becoming parents to their son David in 1996, reports Surrey Live.
In a heart-to-heart with Mail Online in 2017, Phyllis divulged details about their unexpected romance: “I never thought real love.
“The sort where your blood tingles and your world explodes with joy – would happen to me at my time of life,” she shared. “I believed I had missed out. But I’m ever so glad it happened.'”
Phyllis and Kevin, who recently played Jane Austen’s parents in the BBC period drama Miss Austen, reunite as on-screen lovers in the new series Murder Most Puzzling.
Phyllis Logan stars as Cora Felton in the show(Image: Channel 5)
Set against the backdrop of the idyllic market town of Bakerbury, the show introduces us to Cora Felton, a crossword aficionado who lends her puzzle-solving prowess to the local police force when a murder mystery unfolds.
The official synopsis for the series reveals: “After the body of a teenage girl is found in the local cemetery with an enigmatic clue in her pocket, Bakerbury Detective DCI Hooper seeks help from the town’s newest, and most famous, resident – Cora Felton, AKA The Puzzle Lady.”
Cora’s unconventional ‘shoot first, ask questions never’ method becomes an asset as she navigates through a web of murderers, swindlers, and dodgy officials.
Despite harbouring a secret that could destroy her and those close to her, Cora’s uncanny knack for unravelling murder mysteries stands out. “And, as it turns out, Bakerbury isn’t as sleepy as it looks.”
Downton Abbey is back for one final movie – with the likes of Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan and Joanne Froggatt all returning for the movie sequel
Downton Abbey has given fans a first look at the final movie trailer. The cast of the hit ITV show, which was turned into a movie franchise, is back for one last time – with many of the famous faces gracing out screens again.
Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern and Paul Giamatti are all back for the movie alongside Penelope Wilton, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Laura Carmichael and Harry Hadden-Pato.
Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Robert James-Collier, Lesley Nicol and Sophie McShera complete the cast alongside Raquel Cassidy, Kevin Doyle, Michael Fox, Dominic West, Arty Froushan, Joely Richardson and Douglass Reith.
Downton Abbey is back for one more hurrah
The grand finale of Downton Abbey will see the Crawley family and their staff navigate the 1930s. Mary is front and centre as she navigates a public scandal whilst the family face financial issues.
Elsewhere, the whole household struggles with the fall out as the family must face change as they prepare for a new chapter – but what does the family face and how will it all end for the Crawleys and their staff?
Simon Curtis has directed the movie, whilst creator Julian Fellowes has done the screenplay. He will also produce alongside Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge and Nigel Marchant is executive producer.
Joanne – who plays Anna Bates – previously admitted it was going to be hard to say goodbye to her character for good.
The final film features all the fan favourites(Image: Universal Pictures/Youtube)
“Oh my goodness, it’s going to be hard! We’ve said goodbye a few times, thinking, ‘This is the end’, at the end of the seasons. Then we did one movie and we wondered if we’d get a second movie.
“This really is, the third and final, so this really is goodbye. It’s going to be emotional, but all good things must come to an end, I suppose,” she said.
Joanne also teased a “full circle” moment in the final film. She said: “We come to the core of the family and the servants, what the future will be and looking back at where the family have got to now. It’s a beautiful full-circle moment that it comes to at the end.
“There was a stage where reality TV came in and it was all the rage. There wasn’t much drama being made in the UK.
“That was sad but then eventually it came good again and Downton Abbey was one of the first shows to sort of bring back the eagerness for good drama. It’s been amazing to ride it all out and still be around to tell the tale.”
