Maclaine joins British TV hit Downton Abbey

Oscar-winning actress Shirley Maclaine will join the cast of hit British television series Downton Abbey, broadcaster ITV has announced.

The 77 year old, who has appeared in more than 60 films and won a best-actress Academy Award for the 1983 movie Terms of Endearment, will play a new character called Martha Levinson, Lady Grantham’s mother.

Producers said the character of Levinson would provide a “wonderful combatant” for the formidable Dowager Countess played by twotime Oscar winner Maggie Smith.

Laura Mackie, director of drama at ITV, said Maclaine’s casting underlined the show’s success both in Britain and the United States.

The show has been a ratings hit for ITV, regularly commanding a British audience of more than 11 million.