Julian Fellowes admits it was a "great privilege" to have George Clooney star in a ‘Downton Abbey’ special.
The creator of the ITV period drama heaped praise on the Hollywood actor for filming a cameo in an upcoming mini-episode of the programme for ITV’s Text Santa charity, insisting it was "very sweet" of him to agree to be in the Christmas show.
Speaking at a CTBF (Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund) charity screening of ‘Downton’ in London’s Leicester Square last night (17.09.14), he told BANG Showbiz: "He very, very, very kindly agreed to come and be part of a little special we did that supports the ITV group of charities.
"It was a great privilege and pleasure to have him on the set, and he was very sweet to do it."
Julian, 65, joked that George probably only came on board because he knows ‘Downton’ star Hugh Bonneville – who plays the Earl of Grantham in the programme – but admitted the 53-year-old hunk was very complimentary about the series.
He added: "He and Hugh have just made ‘Monuments Men’ but he did seem to like the show, but he would say that wouldn’t he?
"We all worked on it [the special episode] and it was marvellous."
And fans of Dame Maggie Smith, who plays the Dowager Countess of Grantham, will be pleased to hear Julian insist there is "no chance" of her alter-ego being killed off in the period drama.
Julian Fellowes: George Clooney in Downton was great privilege
