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  • Laura Carmichael: Next Project An Exact Departure From Lady Edith

    Laura Carmichael is moving on now that her Downton Abbey days are over.

    For Laura Carmichael, it was the stage that called next.

    Laura Carmichael will be starring in a play called The Maids. While the premise might seem similar, it is anything but.

    The play is about two maids, played by Zawe Ashton and Uzo Aduba, who fantasize about killing their mistress, played by Laura Carmichael. It is said to be a very thorough examination of sex and class.

    More tickets for The Maids released today! (Link in bio) & HAPPY Birthday dearest mega babe @uzoaduba !! x

    A photo posted by Laura Carmichael (@larrycarmichael) on

    Laura Carmichael is not only excited about the play itself, but also the political message contained within.

    She said, “There are some extraordinary statistics about there being more live-in maids now in London than there have ever been before, so it’s not that you can watch it and think what an old-fashioned or archaic idea this is, it is definitely happening now.”

    Laura Carmichael has always been outspoken about social inequalities.

    For instance, when the Academy Awards racial fiasco happened last month, Laura Carmichael was quick to speak out.

    She said, “I think it was a really disappointing reflection. I think the Oscars is a sort of mad gang. The thing that surprises me is that I do think audiences really want to see a better reflection of the world that we live in and I think someone somewhere is frightened of changing what’s been the case for a long time.”

    Last week at the Emmys with dream date Jim Carter.

    A photo posted by Laura Carmichael (@larrycarmichael) on

    She added, “We should be making art that is reflective of the society we live in and we’re not.”

    What do you think about Laura Carmichael’s racy new role?

  • Downton Abbey: Can PBS Keep Up The Viewing Numbers After This Season?

    Downton Abbey will air its final episode on March 6th and many fans are wondering if they’ll be able to cope with the end of the immensely popular show.

    Downton Abbey has put PBS back on the map for a lot of people, but can they keep the numbers up after Downton Abbey is gone?

    Since Downton Abbey won three Emmys during a time when PBS was in danger of being defunded by the government, the show is basically the reason PBS is still aired.

    PBS is going to be hard-pressed to find a ratings boost like Downton Abbey. Of course, now they air the British series Sherlock, but the seasons are short and unpredictable.

    Lady Cora is looking divine, as always! #Downton #DowntonAbbey #BehindTheScenes #TheFinalSeries #Makeup #Costume #pbsmasterpiece

    A photo posted by Downton Abbey (@downtonabbey_official) on

    They also have the new Civil War drama, Mercy Street, of which Variety TV executive editor Debra Birnbaum said, “The network can breathe a sigh of relief that its drama slate seems secure with the Civil War-set series.”

    We shall see.

    Can you recall the scene? #Downton #DowntonAbbey #BehindTheScenes #TheFinalSeries

    A photo posted by Downton Abbey (@downtonabbey_official) on

    PBS president and CEO Paula Kerger spoke last month about what kept people flocking to Downton Abbey, “It’s good stories well told. That’s the most powerful reminder from Downton Abbey. I believe it can happen again.”

    She also announced a new Great Performances selection called Hamilton’s America, which will feature the very popular play.

    She added, “Our commitment to the arts is deep. We’re the logical place. We’re built to do this.”

    I suppose only time will tell if PBS will be able to recreate that Downton Abbey magic. Do you think they’ll be able to?

  • Dan Stevens Plays Schizophrenic in New “X-Men” Show Called “Legion”

    Dan Stevens is set to play the role of a diagnosed schizophrenic in a new X-Men show called Legion. The Downton Abbey star has signed on to the show based on a Marvel comic book.

    Described as a “haunted man,” Dan Stevens becomes David in the upcoming show–a character who is working to “find his way back to sanity.”

    Parks and Recreation alum Aubrey Plaza also stars in Legion. She plays Dan Stevens’ character’s friend Lenny, who is trying to put the pieces of her life–riddled with drugs and alcohol–back together again.

    Jean Smart of Fargo fame is part of the Legion cast, too. She plays the role of a therapist.

    Dan Stevens was beloved by Downton Abbey fans in his role as Matthew Crawley. Aubrey Plaza spent seven seasons on Parks and Recreation as April Ludgate.

    Production on Legion is set to begin next month. An air date for the pilot has yet to be released.

    What’s your take on this all-star cast for the upcoming X-Men show Legion?

    Will you tune in to see Dan Stevens, Aubrey Plaza, Jean Smart, and more in Legion when it airs on FX some time in the near future?

  • Lily James of Downton Abbey Dishes on Fighting Scenes For ‘Pride & Prejudice & Zombies’

    Forget the fact that Pride & Prejudice & Zombies is the best movie title ever.

    Lily James of Downton Abbey says the fighting scenes in the upcoming zombie flick are worth the price of a ticket to the theater, adding that she had a blast training and starring in the scenes.

    Speaking with Zap2It, the 26-year-old actress opened up about training for all the fight scenes in the upcoming movie.

    “That’s been really fun. I’ve loved that,” she explained. “When I do Downton I become a sort of pudgy little sludgy thing because you don’t really need to exercise, so it’s been good getting back into getting fit. Working with the stunt guys on this has been awesome. I feel like I can sort of get into some fights now and be a little victorious!”

    After starring in a slew of period pieces — Downton, Pride, Cinderella and the upcoming War & Peace — James says she is ready for something different for her next role.

    “I’d love to do different things now,” she said. “I was always drawn to that as a style. Some of the actresses I loved growing up, like Kate Winslet, I remember them and things like Titanic and all that kind of period stuff so that was definitely something I aspired to and I wanted to do myself but now having done it so much I’d quite like to do something where there’s no [boundaries].”

    If you have a better movie title than Lily James‘ film, Pride & Prejudice & Zombies, we’d love to hear your pick!

  • Downton Abbey Ends After 6 Seasons, Christmas Day Finale Tops UK Ratings

    British drama series Downton Abbey has ended after six seasons, with its finale airing in the UK on Christmas Day.

    The TV series topped the UK ratings on Christmas Day, which is the first time the show achieved the feat.

    In the swan song episode, Lady Edith and Bertie Pelham have a happy ending, Lady Mary found out she was having a child, and Anna and Mr. Bates welcome their newborn.

    The Downton Abbey Finale Hits US Audiences Soon

    There have been reports stating that the series ended due to the fact that the Downton Abbey bosses failed to secure Dame Maggie Smith for the seventh season.

    Gareth Neame, the show’s producer, said that Smith, who plays the Dowager Countess Lady Violet Crawley, did not confirm her appearance for another season.

    “We easily could have gone for a 7th season, but if I’d have said “We haven’t got Maggie” it would have been a shadow of itself,” Neame added.

    Nevertheless, the award-winning producer said that they still feel blessed. The management and the cast do not regret the ending because they were still ahead when they ended the show.

    “We had the ambition that we had a complete show,” he said.

    In the final scene filmed at the Ritz Hotel in London, Neame even found a way to “insert himself”, where he came in dressed like one of the Ritz’s staff.

    While Downton Abbey officially ended last week on Christmas Day, there may be possibilities of a cinematic spin-off of the story.

    “There is no script and no firm plan but it’s certainly something there is talk of. We’re not in denial about anything. We’ll know more next year,” Neame said.

    There were reports that Neame and writer Julian Fellowes “are keen” to make the project happen.

    Meanwhile, other top performers along with Downton Abbey on Christmas Day include the Strictly Christmas Special, Queen, Mrs. Brown’s Boys, and Doctor Who.

  • “Downton Abbey”: Costume Exhibit In The Making?

    Downton Abbey has wrapped on the last episode and many fans are sad to see it go.

    Even the stars of Downton Abbey struggled to say goodbye.

    One of Downton Abbey‘s main stars, Michelle Dockery, admitted that she will miss the close friends she made during six seasons of filming.

    She said of Downton Abbey‘s Laura Carmichael, who plays her sister Edith, “I feel like I share the most memories with her, because we’re so close. She was 22 and I was 27 when we started. We partly grew up on the show, [but we also have] memories outside.”

    She added, “We did a press tour in New York on my 30th birthday. Laura wasn’t on the tour but she surprised me on my birthday.”

    Hello? #Downton #DowntonAbbey #BehindTheScenes #TheFinalSeries

    A photo posted by Downton Abbey (@downtonabbey_official) on

    Dockery also revealed that after shooting the last episode, the two of them shared a bittersweet goodbye to the old castle that served as Downton Abbey.

    She said, “Laura and I wandered around for the last time, and suddenly we didn’t want to go home. We went and sat on Matthew’s bench and had a bit of a cry.”

    While Downton Abbey will end in the US with the sixth season on PBS, fans may be able to draw out the fun a little bit longer.

    There are murmurings of a possible costume exhibition. Lead costume designer Anna Robbins said that while many cast members took home costumes from Downton Abbey, she is keeping a “firm eye” on them so they can go on display at some point. Yay!

    Some of or marvellous actors waiting for the words…Action! #Downton #DowntonAbbey #BehindTheScenes #TheFinalSeries

    A photo posted by Downton Abbey (@downtonabbey_official) on

    She said, “I know some of the actors have been coveting pieces like the jackets and evening dresses, which could definitely work off set with jeans or on the red carpet.”

    She added, “But I’m keeping a firm eye on them so they can be archived for a potential exhibition.”

    Sound like a mini-pilgrimage might be in order for some Downton Abbey fans.

    Downton Abbey begins its sixth season in the US on PBS this Sunday! Will you be watching?

  • “Downton Abbey” Stars Got Weepy After Final Show Was Wrapped

    Downton Abbey has ended for cast and crew of the immensely famous period drama.

    For those who star, write, direct, ect. for Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle has been their second home.

    For a couple of stars, it was harder to leave Downton Abbey than they thought it would be.

    Michelle Dockery, who plays Lady Mary Crawley, admitted that she will greatly miss Laura Carmichael, who plays her sister Edith on Downton Abbey.

    She said, “I feel like I share the most memories with her, because we’re so close. She was 22 and I was 27 when we started. We partly grew up on the show, [but we also have] memories outside.”

    She added, “We did a press tour in New York on my 30th birthday. Laura wasn’t on the tour but she surprised me on my birthday.”

    Dockery also revealed the sad goodbye she and Carmichael said to the old castle that provided the set for Downton Abbey.

    Might you enjoy embroidery as Lady Grantham does? #Downton #DowntonAbbey #BehindTheScenes #TheFinalSeries

    A photo posted by Downton Abbey (@downtonabbey_official) on

    She said, “Laura and I wandered around for the last time, and suddenly we didn’t want to go home. We went and sat on Matthew’s bench and had a bit of a cry.”

    Jim Carter, who didn’t make too big of a deal about being part of Downton Abbey during his stint as the butler, Mr. Carson, even admitted that he had a surprisingly hard time letting go.

    He said, “When we wrapped, the other actors were getting weepy, and I thought, ‘C’mon!’ But then the producers came out and thanked them, and I thought, ‘We’ve got to thank the crew, too, because they’ve been with us every inch of the way.’”

    He continued, “So I said, ‘Guys, all your hard work, your artistry —’ And suddenly I couldn’t speak. I began to weep along with the other actors and all these big tattooed guys on the crew with tears pouring down their faces.”

    He added, “I genuinely hadn’t anticipated that.”

    The final season of Downton Abbey begins on Sunday. Will you be watching?

  • Downton Abbey: Show’s Bosses Say Series’ End Wasn’t Strictly Due To Maggie Smith’s Departure

    Downton Abbey has ended, and now some fans want to know if it was just because the show couldn’t go on without Maggie Smith as Lady Violet Crawley.

    The answer to Downton Abbey fans, it seems, is no. Sort of.

    Those in charge of Downton Abbey say it was just better to end on a high note than to drag it out beyond its prime.

    And end on a high note, it did!

    During the two-hour special ending of Downton Abbey, Lady Edith finally got that happy ending she always wanted, Lady Mary discovered she was pregnant and Anna gave birth to her child with Mr. Bates, all in joyous holiday fashion.

    Caption this! #Downton #DowntonAbbey #BehindTheScenes #TheFinalSeries

    A photo posted by Downton Abbey (@downtonabbey_official) on

    What an amazing episode of Downton Abbey that was!

    While Downton Abbey ended on top as planned, Producer Gareth Neame did admit that the show would have struggled without Maggie Smith, though a seventh season would have been possible.

    He said, “We easily could have gone for a seventh season but if I’d have said ‘We haven’t got Maggie’, it would have been a shadow of itself.”

    Smile! #Downton #DowntonAbbey #BehindTheScenes #TheFinalSeries

    A photo posted by Downton Abbey (@downtonabbey_official) on

    He added, “We all feel very blessed. Nobody regrets ending when we did. We have a final season that’s as strong as the first because we quit while we were ahead.”

    However, a spokeswoman for production company Carnival Films was a bit more adamant that she show didn’t end because of Maggie Smith’s departure.

    She said, “Downton Abbey ended at season six because the producers and writers wanted to close the show on a high and that has been clearly demonstrated with the Downton Abbey finale on ITV being the most-watched show on television across all broadcasters on Christmas night.”

    She reiterated, “The show did not end because any of our cast wanted to leave.”

    Dame Maggie Smith‘s departure came at a time when she was tired and the role just didn’t make sense anymore.

    She said of her role on Downton Abbey earlier this year, “They say this is the last one, and I can’t see how it could go on.”

    She added, “I mean, I certainly can’t keep going… To my knowledge, I must be 110 by now. We’re into the late 1920s.”

    What do you think? Do you think Downton Abbey could have had a successful seventh season?

  • ‘Downton Abbey’ Did Not End Because Maggie Smith Quit, According to Producers

    Downton Abbey producers are denying reports the much-beloved British show ended because actress Maggie Smith, 80, would not return for a seventh series.

    The Sun reports that executive producer Gareth Neame said the show would not have been the same without Maggie Smith’s character Lady Violet Crawley, so a decision was made to end the show on a high note.

    “We easily could have gone for a seventh season but if I’d have said ‘We haven’t got Maggie’, it would have been a shadow of itself,” he told the newspaper. “We all feel very blessed. Nobody regrets ending when we did. We have a final season that’s as strong as the first because we quit while we were ahead.”

    According to Snap.pa, a spokeswoman for Carnival Films denied the cast had any part to play in the decision to end Downton after six seasons.

    “Downton Abbey ended at season six because the producers and writer wanted to close the show on a high and that has been clearly demonstrated with the Downton Abbey finale on ITV being the most-watched show on television across all broadcasters on Christmas night. The show did not end because any of our cast wanted to leave,” said the spokeswoman.

    The final episode of Downton Abbey aired in the U.K. on Christmas Day with a record-breaking 6.9 million viewers tuned in to bid farewell to the Crawleys.

    The U.S. will get its chance to find out what happens to Lady Edith, Lady Mary, and Mr. and Mrs Bates when the sixth and final season of Downton Abbey premieres Jan. 3, 2016, on PBS.

  • John Dineen: Fiance of “Downton Abbey’s” Michelle Dockery Laid to Rest

    John Dineen, the fiance of Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery was laid to rest on Wednesday in a funeral service in Cork, Ireland. The 34-year-old died of a rare form of cancer on December 13.

    Dockery flew to Ireland from the U.S. during John Dineen’s final days. She had long been rather private about their relationship.

    “I have a wonderful man in my life from Ireland,” she said about a year ago. “We were introduced by Allen Leech (her Downton Abbey costar). That’s all you need to know.”

    At John Dineen’s funeral on Wednesday, Michelle Dockery said, “Whether in his work or his personal life John was extremely loyal. It was clear that when John was in your corner he was there. I was honored to know John. To love him and be loved by him. He was my friend, my king, my hero, my everything. We celebrate him, we honor him and we will miss him.”

    She also sang his favorite song, “The Folks Who Live on the Hill.”

    John Dineen would have turned 35 on Thursday.

  • Michelle Dockery: “Downton Abbey” Star Delivers Emotional Tribute at Fiance’s Funeral

    Michelle Dockery of Downton Abbey fame is mourning the passing of her fiance, John Dineen. Dineen passed away on Sunday at the age of 34. He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer earlier in 2015. His death came just two days before Dockery’s 34th birthday and four days ahead of what would have been his 35th.

    Just three days after his untimely death, Michelle Dockery delivered an emotional tribute at her fiance’s funeral in Cork, Ireland.

    “Whether in his work or his personal life John was extremely loyal,” she said Wednesday at St. James’ Church in Ballinora. “It was clear that when John was in your corner he was there. I was honored to know John. To love him and be loved by him. He was my friend, my king, my hero, my everything. We celebrate him, we honor him and we will miss him.”

    “John’s charm was legendary. He could persuade anyone to do what he wanted in the least pushy way possible. Particularly the women,” Michelle Dockery continued. “He had a presence that was electric when he came in to the room. He had a wicked sense of humor. He had a genuine interest in other people.”

    Michelle Dockery and John Dineen were introduced by her Downton Abbey costar Allen Leach back in 2013. They got engaged earlier this year.

    In addition to speaking at his funeral, Michelle Dockery also sang her late fiance’s favorite song, “The Folks Who Live On the Hill.”

    A private cremation service was held following the funeral mass.

    It no doubt took an immense amount of strength and love for Michelle Dockery to both speak and sing as she laid her beloved fiance to rest.

  • ‘Downton Abbey:’ Sixth Season to Be the Last

    ‘Downton Abbey:’ Sixth Season to Be the Last

    Downton Abbey will end its run following its upcoming sixth season. Producer Carnival Films made the announcement on Thursday.

    The production company’s managing director, Gareth Neame, had the following to say.

    “Millions of people around the world have followed the journey of the Crawley family and those who serve them for the last five years. Inevitably there comes a time when all shows should end, and Downton is no exception. We wanted to close the doors of Downton Abbey when it felt right and natural for the storylines to come together and when the show was still being enjoyed so much by its fans. We can promise a final season full of all the usual drama and intrigue, but with the added excitement of discovering how and where they all end up …”

    According to a report from the Hollywood Reporter, this isn’t a complete shock, as many have speculated as much for a while now.

    Creator and writer Julian Fellowes said, “The Downton journey has been amazing for everyone aboard. People ask if we knew what was going to happen when we started to make the first series and the answer is that, of course we had no idea. Exactly why the series had such an impact and reached so many people around the world, all nationalities, all ages, all types, I cannot begin to explain. But I do know how grateful we are to have been allowed this unique experience. I suspect the show will always be a principal marker in most of our careers as we set out from here, and if so, I consider that a blessing and a compliment.”

    Season five of Downton Abbey premiered in January. Production for season six is said to start filming a little later in 2015.

    “At its heart, television is about storytelling, and Downton Abbey is certainly storytelling as Downton Abbey and the Crawley family have kept us on the edge of our seats as they navigate through some of the biggest moments of the 20th century,” Paula Kerger, PBS President and CEO, said a while back. “Along with our member stations, PBS can’t wait to share the next season of Downton drama with our audiences.”

    Downton Abbey stars Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Lily James, Joanne Froggatt, Jim Carter, and Maggie Smith.

    Are you among Downton Abbey fans who are disappointed to learn that the show’s sixth season will be its last?

  • Lily James: From ‘Downton Abbey’ to ‘Cinderella,’ and Back Again?

    Lily James–known for her role as Lady Rose on Downton Abbey–now stars on the big screen in Cinderella. Will she return to Downton Abbey when the show resumes production later in 2015, long after her prince has slipped that glass slipper on her delicate foot?

    “I’m really hoping to come back,” Lily James said during a press event for Cinderella earlier in March.

    It was at the end of season 5 that Lady Rose married Atticus (played by Matt Barber) and left the estate to begin a new life as a married woman across the ocean in America. No one said, however, that she will live happily ever after. Maybe she didn’t get the prince like Cinderella.

    “Part of me wants her to like lose her sh–, and come back completely wrecked and a ruined woman, and part of me wants her to keep her happily ever after,” James said.

    “Both their characters have traveled to America to make new lives, but they are members of this family so a visit home may well happen at some time,” Downton Abbey executive producer Gareth Neame said.

    Are you a Downton Abbey fan? Do you expect the character played by Lily James–Lady Rose–will make her way back to the series?

    Will you be checking out Lily James as she stars alongside Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, Richard Madden, and more in Cinderella? It opened at theaters in the U.S. on Friday.

  • Maggie Smith To Leave “Downton Abbey”

    Maggie Smith, who plays Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham, on Downton Abbey is ready to call it a day.

    The 80-year-old actress says that the time has come for ol’ Violet to take a bow.

    In her own words, Maggie Smith says the role just doesn’t make sense anymore.

    Either way, the series is likely to end next year with season six.

    Maggie Smith said, “They say this is the last one, and I can’t see how it could go on.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZiPV-nEhbQ

    She continued, “I mean, I certainly can’t keep going… To my knowledge, I must be 110 by now. We’re into the late 1920s.”

    Maggie Smith admitted that she doesn’t even watch the show.

    “I will look at it when it’s all over, maybe,” she said back in 2013. “Because it’s frustrating. I always see things that I would like to do differently and think, ‘Oh, why in the name of God did I do that?’”

    Though Maggie Smith will leave Downton Abbey, she will by no means retire to her rocking chair in the corner.

    “When you’re not working it’s scary, and when you are working it’s scary, because you don’t know if you’ve got the energy to get through the day. But the bleakness of not doing it, and missing out on the friendships that you make, is too much to bear,” she told U.K.’s The Sunday Times.

    Maggie Smith loves working, but she doesn’t care for her celebrity status that Downton Abbey has earned her.

    “What’s sad is I’ve gone through my whole life without any of that. I could go round galleries and things on my own and I just can’t do it now. If someone decides to get at you, you can’t get away.”

    She added, “What’s awful is it used to be just autographs, but now everyone wants photographs. You begin to feel like all those people who believed photographs took the soul away. There’s nothing like privacy, but nobody will have that soon. Nobody’s private any more.”

    So true.

    Best of luck to Maggie Smith as she moves on with her illustrious career!

  • Maggie Smith of ‘Downton Abbey’ Honored by Queen Elizabeth

    Maggie Smith, known for her role on the PBS hit series Downton Abbey, was honored on Friday by Queen Elizabeth. The queen made Smith, who plays the Dowager Countess of Grantham, a member of the Order of the Companions of Honor in recognition of her 60 years in theater, cinema and TV. A ceremony honoring the 79-year-old Oscar-winning actress was held at Windsor Castle. Only 65 living people may receive the honor. Stephen Hawking, Ian McKeller and David Hockney are among those presently honored.

    This wasn’t the first time that Maggie Smith met Queen Elizabeth either. In 1989, the actress was made a dame commander of the Order of the British Empire, which is similar to a knighthood and gives her the title of Dame. That is the female equivalent of Sir.

    Maggie Smith is beloved by Harry Potter fans as well as her Downton Abbey fans. She is also known for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series of films. Now that this latest honor has been bestowed upon her, Maggie Smith can add the initials ‘CH’ after her name. It will be interesting to see if she adds them to her name when it is shared in credits–either for Downton Abbey or any additional roles the actress might play.

    Speaking of those additional roles, Maggie Smith starred in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in 2011, and will reprise her role as Muriel Donnelly in the sequel, which is due out in 2015. She is presently filming a new movie called The Lady in the Van. Smith starred in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite–and earned Academy Awards for both.

    Congratulations to Maggie Smith on this latest honor. It must have been very exciting for–not only to receive this honor, but also to have it presented to her by Queen Elizabeth.

  • Maggie Smith Receives Extremely Rare Honor from Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle

    Maggie Smith received a rare, distinguished honor from Queen Elizabeth II Friday during a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

    The actress, who portrays Dowager Countess of Grantham on Downton Abbey, received the honor for her contribution to theater, cinema and television for the past 60 years.

    Companions of Honor is awarded to very few people and is limited to 65 living people “of distinction.”

    Other members include physicist Stephen Hawking, actor Ian McKellen, actress Judi Dench and artist David Hockney.

    Smith has won two Academy Awards for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite. The legendary actress also portrayed Professor McGonagall in all eight Harry Potter films.

    The actress is currently filming The Lady in the Van — A film version of the stage production in which she portrayed a homeless eccentric who parked for years on the driveway of playwright Alan Bennett.

    The honor carries no title but you can add a CH after your name. Maggie Smith has already been knighted by the Queen, so this is just one more feather in the actress’ already impressive cap.

  • Elizabeth McGovern Sheds Downton Abbey Persona To Tour As Folk-Rock Musician

    In December, US fans of hit BBC series Downton Abbey will have the chance to see another side of Elizabeth McGovern, who plays the character of Cora Crawley. McGovern is actually the vocalist of her band, Sadie and the Hotheads, which is embarking on a 10-day US tour on December 4.

    Although the timing of her tour seems perfect for promoting the January 4 US premiere of Downton Abbey’s fifth season, McGovern told The Associated Press that it was purely coincidental.

    “It’s a slightly funny experience for fans of the show to come hear the music because it’s such a different world to the show itself. When we first started touring there would be a lot of people carrying ‘Downtown Abbey’ books … and I could see a look of surprise on their faces because it isn’t what you expect. I mean it’s not a classical quartet of violins,” said McGovern.

    Her character on the series is Cora Crawley, an American heiress who marries into a British aristocratic family. McGovern’s portrayal has earned her several Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.

    Sadie and the Hotheads released their debut album in 2007 and their third album, Still Waiting, this year. Although the group has performed before in Europe, McGovern said that she was more confident about performing in America now than in the past. “I think it’s coming at the right time since we slowly built experience with each other,” she said. “I feel like we’re more ready than we’ve ever been.”

    McGovern’s group will be performing in Washington on December 4 and visiting New York City, Newark in New Jersey and Annapolis in Maryland before concluding the tour on December 14 in Hartford, Connecticut.

    According to the band’s website, Sadie and the Hotheads’ music draws from an eclectic mix of musical genres, including ‘60s pop, country, esoteric folk, jazz, Celtic and torch songs.

  • Elizabeth McGovern: “Downton Abbey” Star Talks Rock Tour

    Elizabeth McGovern has been active in the music and acting world for years now, but her turn as the aristocratic heiress Cora Crawley on runaway hit Downton Abbey has brought her talent to the spotlight for several generations of fans. Now, many of those fans are surprised to learn that she heads up a folk rock band which is about to go on tour.

    Sadie And The Hotheads will begin a 10-date tour in December, their first in the States. McGovern says that now, the band has a bit of experience under their belts, which will help when it comes time to take the stage.

    “I think it’s coming at the right time since we slowly built experience with each other. I feel like we’re more ready than we’ve ever been … I go there with more confidence than I would have in the past,” she said.

    The music is a bit on the eclectic side, according to the actress, and surprises fans of the show when they hear it for the first time. However, they might be pleased to know that Michelle Dockery, who plays Lady Mary, has supplied guest vocals for the band in the past on their album How Not To Lose Things.

    McGovern recently dropped a hint about things to come on the show for her character, saying that the changing times put a strain on her relationship with her husband.

    “We continue with the theme established early on that this is a changing world. All the characters deal with that in different ways. And in some ways that creates a wedge between Cora and her husband Robert. He’s invested in the world staying the same and she gets annoyed by that. There are times in the marriage when Cora feels overlooked, and it creates tension. It makes her open to the charms of someone else,” she told What’s On TV.

  • Downton Abbey Season 4 Hits Amazon Prime

    Downton Abbey Season 4 Hits Amazon Prime

    If you’ve been waiting to take the trip back to Downton Abbey, today’s the day to start your journey (if you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber).

    Season four of the hit PBS drama has just landed on Amazon Prime Instant Video.

    Prime Instant Video is the only subscription streaming service that will have season four, as well as the previous three seasons. Last year, Amazon won the exclusive streaming rights to Downton Abbey past, present, and future – stealing the show away from Netflix and Hulu.

    The deal with PBS Distribution stated that Prime Instant Video would retain exclusive streaming rights through season five, were it to happen (which we now know it will).

    Snatching Downton Abbey away from Netflix and Hulu was a big move at the time, and one that Amazon said was based on Downton‘s overwhelming popularity on the service. Apparently, the move payed off – Amazon now says that Downton Abbey is the most-watched TV show in the history of Prime Instant Video.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Downton Abbey Experience Goes On Sale for Charity

    Downton Abbey Experience Goes On Sale for Charity

    Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael is offering up various Downton Abbey-themed experiences as part of her fundraising efforts for Haiti: Make Births Safe.

    Carmichael, who stars as Lady Edith on the hit series, is working with the organization to offer a range of prizes, the ultimate one being a day on set at Highclere Castle with Carmichael and other Downton Abbey cast members followed by dinner with Carmichael at London’s swanky Criterion Restaurant. Airfare and hotel for two is included.

    Entries start at $10 each. A donation of $7,500 will get you 1,500 entries plus tea with Carmichael in either London or New York City. There are six spots available, three in each location.

    Other prizes offered include a Skype “Etiquette Session from Lady Edith,” a period tea set, and an official behind the scenes of Downton Abbey book signed by the cast.

    Haiti: Make Births Safe represents the collaboration of three non-governmental organizations – Konbit Sante, Haiti Hospital Appeal, and the Haiti Health Trust – with the Haitian Ministry of Health to reduce infant and maternal mortality in northern Haiti.

    Carmichael visited Haiti in 2013 with Haiti Hospital Appeal.

    “It was one of the most memorable and amazing experiences of my life,” she said. “Having the opportunity to meet some of the amazing Haitian doctors who are doing so much, under such difficult circumstances, was incredibly moving and inspiring.”

    In speaking out about the health issues faced by Haitian women, Carmichael referenced a major Downton Abbey event from Season Three: when her on-screen sister Lady Sybil, played by Jessica Brown Findlay, died during childbirth from eclampsia.

    “In Haiti, eclampsia is still a major risk, and still tragically takes many lives,” Carmichael said. “The few doctors there are doing all they can to ease the situation. Seeing their passion was the real inspiration.”

    In August 2013 Haiti Hospital Appeal announced that Carmichael would officially serve as the organization’s “patron.”

    “I’m thrilled to support HHA because their work is so inspiring. They put their money into the hands of people who need it the most and are doing fantastic work building a hospital and children’s homes that will last for generations. HHA is a small charity that is doing vital work and I am so proud to support them,” Carmichael said at the time.

    Downton Abbey airs on ITV Network in the United Kingdom and on PBS in the United States. Season Five is currently in production and set to premiere in the UK later this year and in the US in January 2015.

    Creator Julian Fellowes recently made headlines when he warned cast members not to post anything related to filming of the show on their social media accounts following several tweets made by Season Five guest star Richard E. Grant.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Downton Abbey Cast Told to Stay Off Twitter

    Keeping celebrities from Twitter is like trying to hold down the tide.

    Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes has felt compelled to tell his cast to stay away from social media — Twitter in particular — during filming of new episodes to prevent any spoilers from reaching the public.

    Fellowes said Downton cast member Richard E. Grant has been tweeting TMI on his account.

    Fellowes made his comments about tweeting during the launch of Grant’s new fragrance, Jack Perfume.

    “He’s very naughty. The trouble we’ve had with things like Twitter,” Fellowes said.

    “We had to explain to the cast about the dangers of tweeting as no one realized how interested everybody was in the show. You’re in a bubble when you’re filming,” he added. “You’re just tweeting these nice things and you don’t realize there are millions of people worldwide trying to pick up the plot.”

    Of course, now we need to check out Twitter to see what Grant may have given away about the upcoming seasons:

    Yea, it’s obvious how he gives the plot away with his tweeting!

    Not really.

    Grant, 56, will appear in four episodes of the upcoming fifth season of Downton Abbey as Simon Bricker, described as an “upstairs guest” of the Crawley family. He recently played the role of Jasper in HBO’s Girls.

    Downton Abbey debuted in the UK and Ireland in 2010 — in January 2011 in the U.S. — and was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the most critically acclaimed English-language television show of 2011.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons