Coming next year: Downton the movie

AFTER three years of silence, Downton Abbey fans may have given up hope of seeing the Earl of Grantham again.

But viewers’ prayers were finally answered yesterday, with confirmation that the cast will return for a spin-off film.

The critically acclaimed series’ run on ITV ended with a Christmas special in 2015, watched by more than 10million viewers.

Stars including Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville and Dame Maggie Smith will now reunite in September at Highclere Castle in Hampshire for ten weeks of filming.

Bonneville – who last year said the prospect of a Downton film was ‘hugely unlikely’ – tweeted a promotional image of a butler carrying a card with the message: ‘We cordially invite you to return to Downton Abbey. Only in cinemas.’

Joanne Froggatt, who played maid Anna Bates in the series, shared a photograph of herself alongside Miss Dockery (Lady Mary Crawley) and Dame Maggie (the Countess of Grantham). She wrote: ‘ Delighted to announce we’re getting the band back together!’

Miss Dockery also shared a picture of herself and co-star Laura Carmichael on Instagram with the caption: ‘The secret’s out...’

The film, written by the period drama’s Oscar-winning creator Julian Fellowes, will be directed by Brian Percival, whose previous credits include several episodes of Downton. It is due for release next year.