Tom Branson is Back! Allen Leech Spotted Filming Series Six of Downton Abbey
> at the Historic Brooklands Racing Circuit
Daily Mail UK, 17 June 2015
Fans thought they had seen the last of Tom Branson after he left Downton Abbey for a new life in America at the end of Series 5.
But it looks like actor Allen Leech is back for the final and sixth series of the ITV period drama after he was spotted on location on Tuesday.
The Irish star was dressed in 1920s period clothing as he filmed scenes at Brooklands Museum near Weybridge, Surrey - the former site of the Brooklands racing circuit and aerodrome.
Branson's back! Allen Leech was spotted on location at the Brooklands Museum near Weybridge, Surrey for filming the new series of Downton Abbey on Tuesday
Ready to race: Extras in vintage overalls stand beside a classic racing car
The former Downton chauffeur-turned-family member looked very dapper in a pale grey three-piece suit and brown hat as he mingled with extras on the warm summer day.
He was joined by a host of extras dressed impeccably in period costume as they recreated a 1920s race meet for an upcoming episode.
Producers also managed to get hold of some vintage motorcars to recreate the thrilling spectacle.
As the former chauffer at Downton Abbey, Branson is a dab hand with motor cars
Looking the part: Extras are made up by the crew as they prepare to film
Brooklands was the world's first purpose-built racing circuit when it first opened in 1907.
The 2.75 mile racing circuit was big draw for race meets and record attempts over the 1910s, '20 and '30s before it closed in 1939.
Today, the old course formed part of the Brooklands Museum, an aviation and motoring museum.
Still in the Twenties: It is expected the new series will be set in 1925 following on from Series 5
The filming took place at the historic Brooklands racing circuit, which hosted race meets in the early 20th century
Series 5 of Downton saw widower Branson and his daughter Sybbie move to Boston, Massachusetts, to work on a new farming machinery business with his cousin.
However, his appearance on location certainly confirms speculation the character is back in England.
At the BAFTA Film Awards back in February, Allen played coy over whether or not he'd return to Downton, saying: 'He’s gone off to find himself, and find out exactly who he’ll be. So whether he comes back in this season or next season or… we’ll see!'
Enjoying the view: More extras in period costume enjoyed an elevated vista of the action on the circuit
Amongst the throng: Mechanics busy themselves with the vehicles as onlookers focus on the track
The 2.75 mile racing circuit was big draw for race meets and record attempts over the 1910s, '20 and '30s before it closed in 1939
The cast of Downton started filming the final series of the show in March, which will be broadcast on ITV in November.
In a statement at the time, Executive Producer of Downton Abbey, Gareth Neame, said: '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.'
Dozens of extras were dressed in period clothing for the outdoor scenes
Historic: K Lee Guiness (in front) beating the 200 mile world motor racing record at Brooklands in 1924