Downton Abbey

ITV has recommissioned Downton Abbey after a phenomenal audience reaction and critical response. 9.2 million viewers tuned in to see the first episode and 10 million fans witnessed the final installment which is the biggest audience for a drama series on any channel since 2003.

Downton Abbey was written by Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park) and stars Hugh Bonneville and Dame Maggie Smith. The Carnival Films' drama follows the aristocratic lives of the Crawley family and their servants, early in the reign of King George V during the two years prior to the Great War. 

Helen James interviewed the cast to promote the series on ITV Meridian Tonight. It was filmed at Highclere Castle in Berkshire, and the Countess of Carnarvon gave Helen an exclusive tour of her home. The Count also talked about how the fictional butler 'Carson' was like his own grandfather's servant and how life today at Highclere is not as strict and regimented as it was in 1912.

Since the series has aired, the Carnarvons have been overwhelmed by 'Downton fans' wanting to visit Highclere and you can see our video explaining how the series was made, on the Highclere Castle website. 

You can also see the full interviews with Hugh Bonneville and Julian Fellowes on Helen James Productions' You Tube Channel.