ITV has confirmed series six of ‘Downton Abbey’ will be the last.
Carnival Films, the producer of the hit period drama, and ITV have confirmed the upcoming sixth series will be the final instalment following numerous reports the show was coming to an end.
Julian Fellowes, the writer, creator and executive producer of ‘Downton Abbey’, said: "The Downton journey has been amazing for everyone aboard. People ask if we knew what was going to happen when we started to make the first series and the answer is that, of course we had no idea.
"Exactly why the series had such an impact and reached so many people around the world, all nationalities, all ages, all types, I cannot begin to explain.
"But I do know how grateful we are to have been allowed this unique experience. I suspect the show will always be a principal marker in most of our careers as we set out from here, and if so, I consider that a blessing and a compliment."
Gareth Neame – who is the managing director of Carnival and is also an executive producer of ‘Downton’ – announced the sixth series will see the stories of characters including the Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) and Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery) come to a fitting end.
He shared: "Millions of people around the world have followed the journey of the Crawley family and those who serve them for the last five years. Inevitably there comes a time when all shows should end and Downton is no exception.
"We wanted to close the doors of ‘Downton Abbey’ when it felt right and natural for the storylines to come together and when the show was still being enjoyed so much by its fans.
"We can promise a final season full of the usual drama and intrigue, but with the added excitement of discovering how and where they all end up…"
The show has been a hit worldwide and celebrities including Cate Blanchett, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and even the rapper P Diddy have come out as fans while Hollywood actor George Clooney made a cameo appearance in a special sketch of the show for charity.
‘Downton Abbey’ series six is set to conclude with a Christmas special later this year, according to Bonneville.
Downton Abbey series six to be the last
