Downton Abbey star Imelda Staunton confirms third movie

News of the ‘threequel’ was confirmed by Imelda Staunton, who plays Lady Bagshaw in the franchise.

The popular period drama series, which has already spawned two hit movies, was created by Dorset resident Lord Julian Fellowes.

The West Stafford villager has seen his brainchild go on to win numerous awards and experience considerable success in America.

Imelda Staunton, who plays the Queen in the later years of her life in The Crown, told the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Zoe Ball that a third and last Downton Abbey film is being planned.

"There will be the final film – there you go," she said, remarking that she doesn't care about getting into trouble for revealing this information ahead of production company Carnival Films or Lord Fellowes, who still haven't officially confirmed the ‘threequel’.

The confirmation has thrilled fans of the franchise, some of the most ardent around.

Daisy and Mrs Patmore (Image: PA)

It also comes after increasing speculation about the possibility of another television series of the show, which proves its evergreen appeal on streaming service Netflix.

READ MORE: 'Downton Abbey could return to TV screens'

Speaking after the release of the second Downton Abbey movie in May 2022, Lord Fellowes said he has always been open to the idea of more movies, even if he was equally happy if Downton Abbey: A New Era turned out to be the end for the franchise.

"The truth is if they want more and the cast want to do more, then I'm sure we'll find a way of delivering more," he said.

"But I don't mind if it's run its course, I think that's fair enough, too."

Since it debuted in 2010, Downton Abbey has become something of a cultural phenomenon, gripping the world with its soapy drama about the residents of a fictional Yorkshire country estate set in the early 20th century.

Lady Cora and Lady Edith in Downton Abbey: A New Era (Image: PA)

It has made global stars of its large cast, including Michelle Dockery and Laura Carmichael, who play sisters Lady Mary and Lady Edith, while Lily James, as Rose, the great-niece of Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith) has gone on to have a glittering movie career.

Lasting six seasons, it earned universal critical acclaim and proved a ratings juggernaut, consistently breaking viewing records throughout its run.

No release date is known for the third film yet, although there were three years between the first two movies, though some of the delay was due to the COVID pandemic impacting filming.