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When the first Downton Abbey movie – which is on ITV1 tonight – was released three years ago, speculation was rife about a sequel.
At the time creator Julian Fellowes and the cast weren’t sure if it would happen, but they were certainly open to the idea.
Since then we’ve had Downton Abbey: A New Era and it seems that history is repeating itself when it comes to the idea of Downton Abbey 3.
Fellowes 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.”
Certainly, there are a number of routes a potential Downton Abbey 3 could take should Fellowes decide to pen another. With the plot having moved on from 1912 when the series started to 1928 in the second movie, Fellowes continues to have a wealth of history to surround Downton Abbey in. There was the hardship of the Great Depression that could be explored, or perhaps more historical figures like King George V in the first film could be introduced.
The 1930s saw Winston Churchill in his wilderness years, so maybe he could end up visiting Downton. Then there was the year of the three Kings in 1936 to consider too. And let’s not forget the rise of Fascism in Western Europe and the Second World War looming in 1939; although perhaps we’ll have to wait for Downton Abbey 4 or 5 for that.
Nevertheless, we may not even get there as rumours abound that Downton Abbey could be returning to TV instead.
Daily Mail’s sources 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.” Of course, all this should be taken with a pinch of salt as ITV said no talks have taken place.
Downton Abbey left our TV screens in 2015, but a small-screen revival would certainly be welcome, even alongside a third movie.
