Secrets of Downton

STORYLINE The year is 1927, and news of King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to Downton Abbey sends the household into a frenzy.

There have been many changes at Downton, which makes Lord Grantham and wife Cora wonder if it’s possible to host royalty on its pareddown, below-stairs staff.

When the monarch’s French chef – played by Philippe Spall, left – and his entourage attempt to take over, it becomes a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth. TRUE INSPIRATION Writer Julian Fellowes says the idea for the film came from a true story about the King and Queen Mary visiting South Yorkshire in 1912.

As well as tucking into lavish 13-course dinners, which included puddings served in sugar baskets that took four days to weave, the royal couple met miners and toured pit villages.

Julian, above, explains: “After the First World War, the monarchy had to re-establish itself. At that time, much of European royalty had gone – the German Emperor, the Austrian Emperor, the Tsar of Russia.” FRIENDS REUNITED Reuniting almost all the characters from the ITV series was almost a miracle in itself, and read-throughs were lengthy due to all the cast hugging.

Star Hugh Bonneville (Lord Grantham) says: “The biggest testament to the film is that everyone turned up. We had hurdles getting them in the same place at the same time but there was a will to do it.”

Dame Maggie Smith (Violet), far right, with Laura Carmichael (Edith), was the last to sign up. DOWNTON NEWCOMERS Along with our old favourites, there’s also a sprinkling of new well-known faces joining the cast. One of them, Imelda Staunton, below, (who plays Lady Maud Bagshaw) is married to butler Carson’s Jim Carter in real life.

She says: “Jim and I got over-excited about getting in the car and driving to work.”

Simon Jones, Geraldine James, Kate Phillips, Tuppence Middleton, David Haig, Philippe Spall and Stephen Campbell Moore also join the cast.