Downton Abbey star addresses future of the drama series as rumours swirl of its return

Downton Abbey’s Jim Carter has given fans the definitive answer on whether the ITV show will be revived as a new TV series.

A Downton Abbey star has addressed whether the show will be making a return as a new TV series in the future. Jim Carter who played the beloved butler Carson on the ITV period drama for the duration of its six series, set the record straight on the programme’s potential comeback.

When asked during an appearance on Good Morning Britain about the prospect, he replied: “I think you know this – there’s a life span to these things.

“It would never return as a TV series because they have their life [span] and famously, Fawlty Towers did 12 [series] Downton had six series, two films – fantastic.

“I don’t know if there’s going to be another film. That floats in the air, people keep asking about it.”

While Jim ended fans’ hopes of a TV series, his “watch this space” stance on a film is something that has also been teased by show creator, Julian Fellowes.

When the first Downton Abbey movie was released three years ago, speculation was rife about a sequel. Since then we’ve had the sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era.

Fellowes sparked speculation about a Downton 3 when he told Daily Mail around the sequel’s release: “In this business, it’s very foolish not to give people what they want.

“I’ve said goodbye to these characters more times than I can number. Each time I think, ‘This is the end, goodbye’. Then I’m writing another series or movie.”

The publication’s sources also reported this summer: “There is a plan which is in development and there is a lot of excitement about.

“There is casting taking place, and it would be great if all of the big stars can return. People loved Downton. It became a British institution and it has been much missed since it left our screens.

“There is huge excitement around this project. It was a Sunday night favourite and got huge viewing figures. There has been very little to compete with it ever since it ended.”