Downton Abbey fans could be in for a shocking but very welcome treat as the huge drama has been tipped for a seventh season return, with telly bosses reportedly trying to lure back the show’s big names.
The show, which has been off air for eight years now, generated six seasons on TV and two movie spin-offs and has proved hugely popular all over the world.
The storylines of the Crawley family navigating the world’s changes from 1912 to 1928 saw it awarded with a Golden Globe and countless other accolades.
And now the production company behind the show – the most nominated British show in Emmy history - has reportedly stared casting in the hopes of enticing the big names back for a seventh season.
While talks are reportedly still in the early stages, insiders have told how bosses hope to be ready to return to screen by the end of 2024.
A source inside the period drama, created and produced by Julian Fellows, reportedly told MailOnline: “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.”
The publication has reported that the show will be again screened on ITV, its home since its launch in September 2010.
The final instalment of the beloved show – which aired on Christmas Day in 2015, drew in a peak audience of 7.4million, and the fan demand for more of the series say the cast return for two movies in 2019 and 2022.
It was previously revealed that the late Queen Elizabeth II was a huge fan of the show and “loved” watching, although she couldn't help but point out anything the creative team had got wrong in the series, according to insiders.
