Jessica Brown Findlay shocked by onslaught of grief after Lady Sybil died in Downton Abbey (LONDON EVENING STANDARD)

The death of Lady Sybil in Downton Abbey left actress Jessica Brown Findlay facing an "onslaught" of grief from devastated friends, she revealed.

Jessica, 23, admits she wasn't prepared for the outpouring after her character died from eclampsia during childbirth in the last series.

Speaking to HuffPostUK, Jessica said: "The day Sybil died I was flying out to film in New York. Normally when you land somewhere, you get a couple of messages, but I had an onslaught from people saying, 'You could have warned me.'

"Even my parents knew I was dying, but they didn't know how, so my mum was in bits. My dad had to tell her, 'You can call her on the phone.' "

Despite being part of the successful show, Jessica was "desperate" to hang up her corset in favour of exploring other roles.

READ MORE: http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/jessica-brown-findlay-shocked-by-onslaught-of-grief-after-lady-sybil-died-in-downton-abbey-8557766.html

Entire Cast of Downton Abbey Killed Off in Season 4 (SPOILERS!!!!) Apr 1, 2013 by DOUG BURSCH (THE MODERATE VOICE)

SPOILER ALERT!!!

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes confirmed today that the entire cast of Downton Abbey will be killed off in Season 4. Fellowes stated, “It’s something we do really well, we feel like it’s our niche. You know…creating a character you grow to love, respect and trust and then killing ‘em off. It’s like our thing.” Fellowes added, “You know how the Fonz said ‘Hey’ a lot, well killing people off is kind of our way of saying ‘Hey.’”
Downton Abbey producers hint that the demise of everyone associated with Downton will revolve around Bates and Anna opening a motel, where each Downton cast member visits before mysteriously disappearing.

APRIL FOOL (I HOPE)

Read more at http://themoderatevoice.com/179880/entire-cast-of-downton-abbey-killed-off-in-season-4/#Lcl4A5xSXr2CMzco.99 

Fresh Dowager of Downton Abbey (Downton parody of Fresh Prince of Bel Air)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGWN1ULho-U

Dan Stevens' heart felt words in reaction to Downton Abbey's audience devastation at his character's death in the show

NEW YORK — “Downton Abbey” fans were devastated when Matthew Crawley made his dramatic exit from the series at the end of the show’s third season. The actor who played him, however, is less emotional about the plot point.

“It’s nice that people care, I suppose, about the show, but yeah, you know ... I had to do what I had to do,”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og4OJKu3VHk

(Is it me or is Dan even sounding less British, and more American.  "Yeah...")

READ MORE:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/dan-stevens-responds-to-fan-reaction-to-downton-abbey-exit-its-nice-that-people-care/2013/03/21/b53d3aba-928d-11e2-9173-7f87cda73b49_story.html?tid=pm_entertainment_pop 

Downton Abbey's Brendan Coyle, Elizabeth McGovern and Laura Carmichael shine at Book Of Mormon opening night (MAIL ON LINE)

By EMILY SHERIDAN

It's he hottest new musical in the West End after already wowing audiences Stateside.

So it was no surprise to see a host of Britain's biggest names turning out to the opening night of the London production of The Book Of Mormon.

And showing that it's a play fit for a Lady, Downton Abbey stars Elizabeth McGovern and Laura Carmichael joined the the show's creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone at the Prince Of Wales Theatre.

The actresses, who play mother and daughter Cora Crawley the Countess of Grantham and Lady Edith Crawley looked a far cry from their onscreen characters.

Elizabeth, 51, looked great in a navy peplum dress, over which she wore a bright blue quilted coat.

The pretty actress added a splash of colour with bright red lipstick, as she happily posed for the cameras.

Laura, who plays her somewhat dowdy daughter, cut a very stylish figure in a chic beige trench coat, underneath which she wore an all black outfit with black heels. 

Also from the ITV period drama was the women's co-star Brendan Coyle, who plays Bates, attended with his girlfriend Joy Harrison.

Homeland star Damian Lewis was wrapped up for the cold weather with his actress wife Helen McCrory.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2297157/Elizabeth-McGovern-Laura-Carmichael-attend-Book-Of-Mormon-opening-night.html#ixzz2OJ2E5dic 

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Dan Stevens: What's Happened To Cousin Matthew? Dan Stevens Parties With The Hipsters In New York Posted: 22/03/13 | Updated: 22/03/13 (MY DAILY) Ellen Stewart

 BREAKING NEWS KLAXON! Cousin Matthew has turned into a hipster. Dan Stevens was partying with New York's coolest on Thursday at the opening of The Big British Invite. The former Downtown Abbey star was unrecognisable as he rubbed shoulders with the likes of Alexa Chung, Estelle (apparently she's famous in the States) and Tali Lennox.

READ MORE: http://www.mydaily.co.uk/2013/03/22/dan-stevens-parties-with-alexa-chung-in-new-york_n_2930506.html

DAN STEVENS: HE'S BAAACCKKK! DOWNTON ABBEY AND ZOMBIES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2p540lbdF70#!

Hugh Bonneville opposes David Cameron's press proposals (THE TELEGRAPH)

Hugh Bonneville, the Downton Abby star, is pre-occupied with legislation for the press and a rude word used by Rowan Atkinson

Hugh Bonneville as the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey Photo: Nick Briggs / Carnival Films

By Tim Walker7:30
AM GMT 18 Mar 2013

Filming may be getting under way on the new Downton Abbey, but Hugh Bonneville’s mind was on other matters over the weekend: legislation to control the press and “shagging”.

The 49-year-old actor, who plays the Earl of Grantham in the series, has been vociferously supporting the Hacked Off campaigners. He has written to his local MP to get him to vote against David Cameron’s alternative proposal for a Royal Charter to regulate the press, and urged his 100,000-odd followers on a social networking site to follow suit.

Mandrake can think of at least two people who are unlikely to have heeded his call. Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, is a staunch Conservative who was made a peer by the Prime Minister. He was unavailable for comment, but he will be mindful that today’s Commons vote on press regulation is now being seen as a test of Cameron’s authority.

READ MORE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/downton-abbey/9936048/Hugh-Bonneville-opposes-David-Camerons-press-proposals.html

Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens is barely recognisable after Hollywood makeover (THE MIRROR)

Gone is the clean-shaven face and floppy blond hair of Matthew Crawley, replaced with dark locks and designer stubble any LA-type would be proud of

NEW DAN

He played one of the most loved toffs on TV but Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens is barely recognisable after a Hollywood makeover.

Gone is the clean-shaven face and floppy blond hair of Matthew Crawley.

Instead his trademark look has been replaced with dark locks and designer stubble any LA-type would be proud of.

The 30-year-old, whose character was killed in a car crash at the end of Downton’s third series, has headed straight for Tinseltown in a bid to break into films.

Hollywood is famous for wanting its leading men to fit into a traditional cookie-cutter mould and it seems Dan will fit right in with his new style.

READ MORE: http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/downton-abbey-star-dan-stevens-1771208

Downton Abbey star Allen Leech denies Branson and Lady Mary romance Tuesday 12 Mar 2013 9:57 am (METRO)

Downton Abbey star Allen Leech, who plays Branson in the drama, has said there isn’t romance between his character and Lady Mary on the cards.

Rumours have been circulating that the pair will become romantically involved in the upcoming fourth series of the ITV show.

In the third series, both characters lost their spouses, with Branson’s wife – and Lady Mary’s sister – Lady Sybil dying early on in the season.

While it would be great for drama, I don’t think it would be right for those two [to get together],’ the actor told TV Guide.

‘As much as they respect each other, they come from very different worlds.’

The fourth series of Downton Abbey has begun filming and is expected to air later this year.

READ MORE: http://metro.co.uk/2013/03/12/downton-abbey-star-denies-branson-and-lady-mary-romance-3537146/

Maggie Smith: 'Downton Abbey' role leaves Maggie Smith a nervous 'lump of jelly' By Ree Hines, TODAY contributor

She may be known as the snarky, determined matriarch on "Downton Abbey," but Maggie Smith, the veteran actress behind the oh-so-quotable Dowager Countess, isn't quite as tough in real life. In fact, as she revealed in an interview that aired on TODAY Thursday morning, playing the instantly-iconic character leaves her downright nervous.

READ MORE: http://theclicker.today.com/_news/2013/03/07/17223791-downton-abbey-role-leaves-maggie-smith-a-nervous-lump-of-jelly?lite

Dan Stevens' 'Downton Abbey' Exit: How It Could Have Ended The Huffington Post | By Leigh Weingus

“If he had been prepared to come back for maybe two or three episodes in a series, that would be different. Then we could have had a foreign posting or invented a career that would have made it possible for him to be away,""Downton Abbey" creator Julian Fellowes explained to the Telegraph. "Otherwise we would have had to make this tremendously successful love affair between Mary and Matthew unhappy, which I didn’t feel would be believable ... So we didn’t really have any option. By him dying, their love can remain in tact."

While we see where Fellowes is coming from, was that car accident really necessary? In the slideshow below, find seven ways we think Matthew could have exited in the series more gracefully ... or at least creatively.

It Was All A Dream

When the Titanic sank, the residents of Downton, both upstairs and downstairs, were so traumatized that they fell into a dream-like state in which a young man with piercing blue eyes arrived at Downton, was at one point in a wheelchair, and eventually married Mary Crawley. 

But it was all a trick! When the house eventually awakened from their sleep long sleep, they find that Matthew was actually killed on the Titanic in 1912, and Mary is an old maid.

Matthew And Mary Go To America

As Matthew and Mary's son is one quarter American, they don't feel it's right to deprive him of his roots. Much to the chagrin of Lord Grantham, who believes his heir should never once leave Downton, the lovebirds set sail with their little one in tow and settle down in New York with Cora's mother Martha. Sorry, Dowager!

Matthew Gets A Whole New Look

Finding himself with a case of the munchies after a particular rigorous round of cricket, Matthew sneaks down to the kitchen where Mrs. Patmore is in full-on dinner prep mode. Surprised to see such a well-dressed man downstairs, Mrs. Patmore accidentally flings boiling water in Matthew's face. Caught completely by surprise, he backs up, hits his head and falls into a coma.

When he awakens two years later, Matthew is unrecognizable, but Mary loves him all the same.

Matthew Is Actually A Scottish Murderer

Despite the proper British air he has about him, Matthew actually has a propensity for kilts, bagpipes and murder. When he was a young boy, he and his mother killed the real Matthew and Isobel, took all their money and plotted a move to Downton.

One day, Bates overhears Matthew and Isobel giggling about how successful their plan has been, and the Dowager Countess immediately ships them back to Scotland and ensures they're thrown into the Edinburgh jail for life.

Matthew Wants To Have A Sex Change

There's always been something a little different about Matthew, something he's tried to ignore. Now almost 30, Matthew can't hide his feelings anymore. He loves Mary -- he does! -- but in his heart of hearts, he knows he's meant to be a woman. When he confesses this to Mary, she honors his wishes and sends him to LA where the plastic surgery and hormone industries have already taken off.

read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/06/dan-stevens-downton-abbey-exit_n_2791856.html#slide=2171404

Hugh Bonneville: Downton star at Lord's (LORD'S THE HOME OF CRICKET)

Hugh Bonneville, who plays Robert Crawley – the Earl of Grantham, in the award winning ITV series Downton Abbey - was at Lord’s to promote the new exhibition at the MCC Museum, sponsored by J.P. Morgan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ztrKDBfVIzs

The exhibition will feature the costume research for the Downton Abbey cricket episode, which took place in the MCC Library.

The 49-year-old actor was wearing the shirt, jumper, trousers and shoes he wore during the filming of the final episode of Series Three, which the TV company has since loaned to the MCC Museum.

The shirt, trousers and shoes worn by Jim Carter (who plays Mr Carson) during the cricket scene are also currently on loan from Carnival Productions.

READ MORE: http://www.lords.org/latest-news/news-archive/downton-star-at-lords,2687,NS.html

Tom Cullen on new Downton Abbey role: My heart is beating a little too fast (METRO)

An excited Tom Cullen has spoken out about his new role in Downton Abbey, claiming he feels his ‘heart is beating a little too fast’.

The Welsh actor, 27, confirmed the news that he has been cast in the forthcoming new series of the ITV period drama to his followers on Twitter.

He tweeted: ‘I can announce that I’m in the new season four of Downton Abbey. So excited. My heart is beating a little too fast…’

Cullen, who has appeared in the first series of Black Mirror and hit indie film Weekend, took the chance to thank his fans for their support.

He added: ‘Thank you for all the amazing messages. Really touched.’

READ MORE: http://metro.co.uk/2013/03/03/tom-cullen-on-new-downton-abbey-role-my-heart-is-beating-a-little-too-fast-3523532/

DOWNTON ABBEY: Who will be Lady Mary's new lover? Two eligible aristocrats will try and woo widower in Downton Abbey By SARAH FITZMAURICE and HANNA FLINT (MAIL ON LINE)

She has been left to bring up her son all alone after losing her husband Matthew in a shocking car crash, but the next series  of Downton Abbey might not be all doom and gloom for Lady Mary.

The single mother is set to by wooed by two eligible, not to mention handsome, aristocrats, according to reports.

Two new male characters are set to be introduced to the hit period drama and producers have hinted that one will be May's new love interest, The Daily Telegraph Reports.

Julian Ovenden

Tom Cullen and Julian Ovenden are just two new faces set to appear on the show playing characters who pay a visit to the Stately home in the upcoming series.

Cullen, 27, is said to be taking on the role of Lord Gillingham, an old family friend, and he is set to enter the show at a party thrown by the family to try and raise her spirits.

Ovenden, 36, is set to play Charles Blake an aristocrat, while Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is also set to star in the show.

As details of the new characters emerge the cast are already back on set filming scenes for the new series, which will air in the autumn.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2286989/Downton-Abbey-Two-new-male-characters-set-join-love-interests-Lady-Mary.html#ixzz2MUpmTbL8 
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'Downton Abbey' Season 4: Lady Mary's Suitors To Be Played By Tom Cullen And Julian Ovenden Posted: 03/02/2013 10:54 am EST | Updated: 03/02/2013 11:00 am EST (HUFFINGTON POST)

Matthew may be out of the picture, but Lady Mary won't be alone for long.

According to The Telegraph, two aristocrats will be visiting Downton in the beginning of Season 4. And as to be expected, they're not courting Edith.

Lady Mary's (Michelle Dockery) suitors will reportedly be played by actors Tom Cullen and Julian Ovenden, with both competing to help the mourning Mary to raise her newborn son.

The search for Lady Mary's new love interest hasn't been an easy one, though. Last month, the Daily Mail reported that Matthew's shoes were difficult ones to fill.

READ MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/02/downton-abbey-lady-mary-boyfriend_n_2796504.html

SPOILER FOR SEASON 4 ‘Downton Abbey’ season 4 spoilers

spoilers: Shirley MacLaine to battle Maggie Smith again

For “Downton Abbey” season 3, much of the talk leading up to the show was all about the arrival of Shirley MacLaine in the role of Martha, and how she was poised to be a major rival to Maggie Smith’s character of Violet. However, we actually found this to be one of the bigger letdowns of 2012; while the legendary actress did a fantastic job in the role, we were expecting her to have so much more of a presence after she had been hyped up for such an extensive period of time.

Now, our expectations are set a little bit different for MacLaine’s return. ITV confirmed this weekend that Martha will indeed be a part of season 4, though it is unclear as to whether or not she will appear in more than just an episode.

READ MORE: http://cartermatt.com/51218/downton-abbey-season-4-spoilers-shirley-maclaine-to-battle-maggie-smith-again/

DOWNTON ABBEY: SEASON FOUR, EPISODE ONE Posted by John Kenney (THE NEW YORKER)

WORKING DRAFT
FADE IN:
EXT. DOWNTON—NIGHT.
CUT TO:
INT. DOWNTON—SAME.
The great house bustles in preparation for dinner. We see a quick montage of downstairs, as the staff prepares the courses.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN—SAME.
Mrs. Patmore mixes a pudding as Daisy tends to a roast that’s just come out of the oven.
DAISY
Does this look done to you, Mrs. Patmore?
MRS. PATMORE
Why is it I have to do everything in this kitchen myself? (walking to Daisy) Here, let me see that knife?
As Daisy hands the knife to Mrs. Patmore, Daisy’s hand slips, stabbing Mrs. Patmore seven times in the neck, chest, and arms. Mrs. Patmore falls to the floor, pulling the roast and pan with her, bleeding profusely, dead, covered in red-bliss potatoes. Daisy, horrified at the accident, backs up and slips on the roast, falling, and hitting her head on the open cast-iron stove door. She, too, is dead.
Enter Mrs. Hughes.
MRS. HUGHES
This is no time to be lollygagging around, Mrs. Patmore.
A beat as Mrs. Hughes realizes.
MRS. HUGHES (cont.)
Oh, dear.
Enter Jimmy, in a huff, followed by Thomas, red-faced, followed by Alfred, confused.
JIMMY (to Mrs. Hughes)
He touched my bottom again.
THOMAS
My hand slipped as I was reaching for something.
ALFRED
Yeah, his bottom.
MRS. HUGHES
There’ll be no more talk of bottoms or touching in this house.
THOMAS
Mister Carson won’t be too happy about having a lie down now, Daisy.
A beat.
THOMAS (cont.)
Daisy?
MRS. HUGHES
I’m afraid they’re dead.
JIMMY
Crikey!
ALFRED
But I was going to ask her to Badger Counting Day in the village tomorrow.
MRS. HUGHES (heavy sigh)
There’ll be no more badger counting for these two I’m afraid.
THOMAS
What are we going to do about the roast? Mister Carson’s waiting.
MRS. HUGHES
Jimmy, help get that roast and those little potatoes on a charger and get them to the dining room. Alfred, move the bodies outside. Thomas, stop touching Jimmy. Heavens. Am I the only one who realizes we have a dinner to serve?
All scramble as we
CUT TO:
LORD GRANTHAM’S ROOM—SAME TIME.
Mister Bates dresses Lord Grantham for dinner. After a time…
LORD GRANTHAM
You’re awfully quiet tonight, Bates.
BATES
Forgive me, my Lord. I’ve no right to be. I shall turn in my resignation now if I’ve displeased you.
LORD GRANTHAM
What seems to be the matter, old chap?
BATES
It’s Anna, m’Lord.
LORD GRANTHAM
Nothing serious, I hope.
BATES
She’s dead, m’Lord.
LORD GRANTHAM
It can’t be.
BATES
I’m afraid it’s true. Hit by a lorry in the village this morning. Dragged a great distance. I’d asked her to post a letter from me to her.
LORD GRANTHAM
My dear, dear man. A senseless tragedy. And a seemingly senseless errand.


Read more: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/shouts/2013/02/a-working-draft-for-the-first-episode-of-downton-abbey-season-4.html#ixzz2MQPHeuWT

DOWNTON ABBEY: First images of Downton Abbey series four focus on Matthew Crawley’s memorial ((METRO) By Caroline Westbrook

Dame Maggie Smith is among those Downton characters who was spotted filming scenes of Matthew Crawley’s funeral (Picture: Rex Features)

The first photos have emerged from the fourth series of Downton Abbey, offering a sneak preview of key characters as they attend Matthew Crawley’s memorial.

Dame Maggie Smith, Joanne Froggatt and Brendan Coyle are among those seen in the snaps as they gather at Matthew’s graveside – with another shot showing his headstone, where he is described as a ‘loving husband and father’.

And the photos would suggest that Matthew – who was killed off in a shocking car accident during the Christmas special – will be buried next to Lady Mary’s sister Sybil, who also made a shock exit last series when she died soon after giving birth.

The much-loved character – played by Dan Stevens – met his maker after the actor quit the show, crashing his car just moments after meeting his newborn son for the first time.

Despite a huge backlash from viewers, creator Julian Fellowes defended the storyline, saying he was left with no choice but to kill the character due to Stevens’ decision to quit the show.


‘We always tried to persuade him to stay. He had done fantastically well for the series and his creation of Matthew was terrific,’ Fellowes said.

‘But this is life. Dan felt that this was right thing for him, and the right moment to move on to different areas.’

READ MORE: http://metro.co.uk/2013/03/01/first-images-of-downton-abbey-series-four-focus-on-matthew-crawleys-memorial-3522178/

Downton Abbey: Maggie Smith, Queen of the Double Take (MASTERPIECE)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLzkQfVIJun2KXuW_3l0gct_0X5yiFs8SN&v=3ZiPV-nEhbQ&feature=player_embedded#!