Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey: Christmas Special

ITV has released the first photo from the much anticipated feature length Downton Abbey Christmas Special.

(Click on the image to enlarge)

L-R: NIGEL HAVERS as Lord Hepworth, SAMANTHA BOND as Lady Rosamund Painswick, HUGH BONNEVILLE as Robert, IAIN GLEN Sir Richard Carlisle, MICHELLE DOCKERY as Lady Mary Crawley and DAN STEVENS as Matthew Crawley.

The special, which takes us into the New Year of 1920, has yet to be scheduled although there is speculation it will broadcast on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

Continue reading →

Downton Abbey: Series Three

"It would appear to be the sound of series three, m'lady."

WHO lives? Who dies? And who gets married?

Those questions are answered in the final episode of Downton Abbey series two on ITV1 at 9pm this Sunday.

With ITV having confirmed a few minutes ago that series three has, indeed, been commissioned.

As if there was any doubt.

It will again consist of eight episodes covering a period of 18 months in 1920 and 1921.

You can read the full press release at the bottom of this blog.

Continue reading →

Downton Abbey 2: Jim Carter

Jim Carter as Mr Carson

HE’S set to dance with Dame Maggie Smith.

Sing again – briefly – in a poignant scene.

And facing more drama tonight (Sunday) when General Sir Herbert Strutt arrives to inspect the convalescent home.

But Downton Abbey star Jim Carter, who plays butler Mr Carson, currently has other things on his mind.

Continue reading →

Downton Abbey: Amy Nuttall

Amy Nuttall as Ethel Parks

DOWNTON Abbey returns for a second series in the UK next month.

My report and photos from last Friday’s Press Launch at Highclere Castle are here.

Among those I spoke to was new Downton recruit Amy Nuttall.

An early taste of the interview – with mild spoilers – was published in Tuesday’s Manchester Evening News, but has yet to go online.

So let’s put that right below, shall we?

Continue reading →

Downton Abbey 2: The Press Launch

The series two cast.

“YOU’LL find there’s never a dull moment in this house.”

Just one of many classic new lines from Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Dame Maggie Smith) in the second series of Downton Abbey.

The press were invited to Downton on Friday for the launch of the eight-part 2011 series, which will be followed by a Christmas special.

Or rather Highclere Castle in Berkshire, the real life location for the “upstairs” scenes in ITV1’s Yorkshire-set global hit.

Continue reading →

Downton Abbey: Joanne Froggatt

Joanne Froggatt as Anna

THE 6am alarm call is never welcome on a Saturday.

But it has afforded me time to polish the silver and iron the morning newspapers.

Now, in a brief respite from my duties, I am told the Manchester Evening News – said to be favoured by Mr Crawley – has this very day published my discussion with a young lady by the name of Joanne Froggatt.

Who may also be known to some of you as Anna, the head housemaid at Downton Abbey.

Continue reading →

Downton Abbey Podcast

Jim Carter as Mr Carson

CREATOR Julian Fellowes and the cast of Downton Abbey – just recommissioned for a second series – talk about the making of the ITV1 period drama.

This Life of Wylie podcast includes contributions from Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter, Rob James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt and Gareth Neame.

You can download the enhanced version (with photos) below:

Continue reading →