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re: Where Downton Abbey Cast Are Now..& CLIPS of EPS
Where Downton Abbey Cast Are Now - Photo Scandals, Hollywood and Singing in Hit Band
With a brand new Downton Abbey movie confirmed for later this year - here is a look at what the cast members such as Hugh Bonneville and Lily James have been up to since the much-loved period drama came to an end
Daily Mirror UK, .25 APR 2021.
The Downton Abbey cast will be back in another movie later this year (Image: Daily Post Wales)
A brand new movie is coming out later this year.
After months of speculation, it was finally confirmed that a sequel to the 2019 film is being released in cinemas later this year.
Alongside a snap that resembled an invitation, they tweeted: "We're thrilled to announce that Julian Fellowes and the entire Downton cast are back for #DowntonAbbey2."
Production will start later this year and the cast will be returning to Highclere Castle in Berkshire, which doubles for the Downton estate in Yorkshire.
Alongside members of the original cast, some of whom have been in all six series and the previous movie, will be some new faces such as Dominic West, Hugh Dancy, Nathalie Baye and Laura Haddock.
It's amazing that creator Julian Fellowes has managed to get the old gang back together as many of Downton's stars have become world famous actors.
Being in a Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Award-winning series that airs in many countries around the world means you get recognised.
Some of the cast have gone on to become major players in Hollywood, while others have remained as stalwarts of British TV.
One actress has even toured the UK and Europe as a singer in her band and a few are just taking a well-earned break from the showbiz world.
Here is a look at what happened to the Downton Abbey cast
Hugh Bonneville - Robert Crawley
The big daddy, Hugh Bonneville played the Earl of Grantham during all six series, the movie and will be back for the sequel.
Protective and loyal towards his family and their servants, Robert was loved by everyone but was sometimes too traditional and resistant to change.
He was forced to step down running the estate because of his ill health, giving the role to his daughter Mary and son-in-law Tom.
Hugh was nominated for a Golden Globe and two Primetime Emmy Awards for his role and has since become a household name.
During his time on Downton he also starred as Ian Fletcher in BBC comedy series Twenty Twelve and spin-off W1A.
He also played Mr Brown in both Paddington films and Lord Mountbatten in the film Viceroy's House.
In 2019 he was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex, where he lives with wife Lucinda Evans and their son Felix.
Elizabeth McGovern - Cora Crawley
Lord Grantham's wife was a wealthy American heiress who adopted a life of British aristocracy but was more forward-thinking than the rest of her family.
The Countess of Grantham opened Downton as a convalescent home for soldiers and became president of the hospital board - much to her husband's disliking.
She suffered a devastating miscarriage and nearly died from Spanish Flue but thankfully made it all the way from the first episode to the last.
Actress Elizabeth McGovern had already appeared in some major films, including Ragtime, Once Upon a Time in America and The Handmaid's Tale.
Downton was the third time that she had been cast as Hugh Bonneville' wife on screen - with the others being Freezing and Thursday the 12th.
Also a talented singer, Elizabeth front the band Sadie and the Hoteheads, who have released a number pf albums and toured the UK and Europe.
Fifth album True, which was released just under her name for the first time, includes a track with Samuel L. Jackson as a guest singer.
Her most recent acting role was in the 2019 War of the Worlds series.
Michelle Dockery - Mary Crawley
The eldest of the Crawley kids, Mary started as a cold and dislikable woman but eventually began to show some vulnerability.
She had a rocky relationship with distant cousin Matthew Crawley, who withdrew his proposal and left Downton, but they got back on track and got married.
Tragically, Mary became a widow when Matthew was killed in a car crash just after she had given birth to their son.
Mary struggled with grief, but was devoted to help running the estate and went on to find love again with race car driver Henry Talbot.
In real life, Michelle Dockery has become a major film star, appearing in Hanna, Anna Karenina, Non-Stop and The Gentlemen.
The Emmy Award-nominated actress also starred in drama series Good Behaviour and Netflix miniseries Godless.
Laura Carmichael - Edith Crawley
The middle daughter of Lord and Lady Grantham, Edith often felt like the forgotten sister and always in her siblings' shadows.
Unlucky in love, she was jilted at the alter by Sir Anthony Strallan and then her second fiance Michael Gregson was killed by Nazis.
She had an illegitimate child, who the family finally came to accept, then married Bertie Pelham.
Away from Downton, Laura Carmichael appeared in the hit film Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and ITV crime drama Marcella as Maddy Stevenson.
Since 2016 she has been in a relationship with Downton co-star Michael C. Fox.
Maggie Smith - Violet Crawley
The Dowager Countess of Grantham was Robert's widowed mother, who was the Crawley family matriarch.
Despite her age she was quick-witted but liked the old ways and argued with forward-thinkers such as her daughter-in-law Cora and frenemy Isobel Crawley.
Much-loved actress Maggie Smith played Violet in every series and the first film.
Not much needs to be said about her acting career, with the actress winning a record four BAFTAs for Best Actress and three Golden Globe Awards.
Her most famous role has to be as the loveable Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series.
Since Downton ended, Maggie has taken a step back from acting but it due to appear in the second movie.
Jim Carter - Charles Carson
Mr Carson was the Downton butler who was in charge of all the male staff and had worked his way up through the household.
Carson offered to resign when his secret former life as a musical performer was exposed by Lord Grantham found it hilarious instead of scandalous.
Carson went on to marry Mrs Hughes and was forced into retirement in the series finale due to suffering from palsy.
Actor Jim Carter, who played the role in every series and the film, already had an impressive list of film credits including Richard III, Shakespeare in Love, The Golden Compass and Alice in Wonderland.
The Cracker and Minder actor went on to star in The Good Liar and his wife Imelda Staunton joined him in the first Downton film.
Jessica Brown Findlay - Sybil Crawley
The youngest of the three Crawley daughters, Sybil was a bit of a rebel who wanted to break free from her social restrictions.
The auxiliary nurse married their chaffeur Tom Branson and moved to Ireland, but the couple came back before a tragic ending.
Sybil gave birth to a daughter but died due to eclampsia in series 3 - leaving many of us in tears.
Actress Jessica Brown Findlay has gone on to appear in the films Albatross, Winter's Tale and Victor Frakenstein.
She also starred in period drama Harlots and is now starring in the lead role in American series Brave New World.
Lily James - Rose MacClare
Lily James portrayed Lady Rose MacClare from the third until the last series - but did not appear in the first film.
The youngest daughter of Lord and Lady Flintshire, Rose often clashed with authority figures while living at Downton.
Rose began a secret romance with black singer Jack, who broke off their relationship to protect her, before eventually falling in love and marrying Atticus Aldridge.
Lily James has since been rocketed into stardom, playing Cinderella in the 2015 Disney live action movie of the same name and a younger version of Meryl Streep's character in Mama Mia! Here We Go Again in 2018.
It doesn't look like Lily will be back for the movie, which could have gotten awkward now Dominic West has joined the cast.
Last year, the married West and James were photographed together in Rome kissing, being physically tactile and having a meal together having both worked on the BBC's adaptation of Nancy Mitford’s novel The Pursuit Of Love.
After the photos were published, Dominic went on to speak to press with wife Catherine FitzGerald when returning to the UK and said: "I just want to say our marriage is strong and we are still very much still together."
It was reported earlier this month by Mail Online that Catherine had banned Dominic from "speaking to or working with" Lily again if they were to repair their marriage, with discussion of Dominic and Catherine renewing their wedding vows.
Brendan Coyle - John Bates
Mr Bates was Lord Grantham's valet, who got a pretty rough ride when he first joined the household as the staff came up with schemes to get rid of him.
He had his cane kicked over to cause a scene and bring attention to his disability and was kicked out by Lord Granthan, but at the last minute he felt guilty and stopped Bates leaving.
Bates got in more trouble when he was found guilty of murdering his estranged wife and sentenced to be hanged but eventually he was cleared of the crime.
Despite some hard times he earned the respect of the staff in the end and got married to Anna Smith.
Robert James-Collier - Thomas Barrow
One of the most hated figures on the show, under-butler Thomas Barrow was always a part of a nasty scheme.
He hated Bates and tried to get him removed so he could take his job and tried to blackmail his former gay lover.
Thomas did have an unholy alliance with Miss O'Brien but she turned on him when her son caught him sleeping with new footman Jimmy.
Barrow was going to be laid off by the Crawleys but was brought back as butler after he attempted suicide.
Having only meant to be part of the first series, the writers kept actor Robert James-Collier on for the entire run.
His other famous role was as Liam Connor in Coronation Street, who was married to Maria but had an affair with Carla before he was killed.
The actor has gone on to appear in Vera, Death in Paradise and now stars in Ackley Bridge.
Joanne Froggatt - Anna Bates
Joanna Frogatt played Anna Bates, the lad's maid to Lady Mary.
She was the only worker who was welcoming to Bates when he arrived and they would go on to marry after a secret courtship.
In series 4 she was violently assaulted and raped by Lord Gillingham's valet Mr Green and was later arrested for his murder.
Actress Joanne Frogatt won three Emmy nominations and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television in 2014.
The former Corrie, Bad Girls and A Touch of Frost star also won critical acclaim for her role of rape victim Laura in ITV drama Liar.
Rose Leslie - Gwen Dawson
Before she became a massive Game of Thrones star, Rose Leslie played Downton housemaid Gwen Dawson.
The ambitious worker wanted to work in the service and Lady Sybil helped get her a job as a secretary with a telephone firm.
She only appeared in the first series but returned in series 6 as an unrecognisable successful married woman.
After Downton, Rose starred in Game of Thrones as Jon Snow's wildling lover Ygritte for three seasons.
She also appeared in Vera, Utopia, Luther and will appear in Kenneth Branagh's next Agatha Christie film Death on the Nile.
Penelope Wilton - Isobel Crawley
Isobel was the widowed mother of Matthew Crawley, who clashed with Lord Grantham's family because of her modern and liberal viewers.
The former nurse took up many charitable causes and also had an intense rivalry with the Dowager Countess before they eventually became close friends.
Despite a health scare and attempts to prevent a marriage, she got wed to Lord Merton in the final series.
Actress Penelope Wilton has appeared in many iconic films such as Taken At Midnight, Calendar Girls, Pride & Prejudice and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
She is probably most recognisable from her recurring role as Harriet Jones in Doctor Who and as Shaun's mum in Shaun of the Dead.
Most recently, she has played Ricky Gervais' character's mum Anne in Netflix series After Life
Sophie McShera - Daisy Robinson
Kitchen maid Daisy Robinson was shy and got taken advantage of because of her timid nature - often being tricked into doing the worst jobs.
A close friend of Mrs Patmore, Daisy was promoted to assistant cook and eventually moved into Yew Tree Farm.
Waterloo Road viewers will recognise Sophie as Ros McCain, but since Downton came to an end she has appeared in ITV comedy The Job Lot and as Drizella Tremaine in the 2015 Disney film Cinderella.
Phllis Logan - Elsie Hughes
Mrs Hughes was the strict housekeeper at Downton who wasn't afraid to speak her mind.
She was loyal and kind to her staff and eventually got married to Mr Carson in series 6.
Actress Phyllis Logan, who won the BAFTA for Most Promising Newcomer in 1983 film Another Time, Another Place, appeared in every series of Downton and the film.
She went on to appear in Doctor Who, ITV drama Girlfriends and play Maggie Smart in The Good Karma Hospital.
Siobhan Finneran - Sarah O'Brien
Miss O'Brien held a lot of disdain towards her fellow servants while holding the role of Lady Grantham's personal maid.
She was always scheming against someone, particularly Bates, and trying to better her own position at the expense of others.
In her worst move, O'Brien thought Cora would replace her so deliberately left a bar of soap on the bathroom floor so she would slip, which caused her to have a miscarriage.
Actress Siobhan Finneran even referred to her own character as a "thoroughly despicable human being".
Famous for her role as Janice Garvey in Benidorm, Siobhan has also appeared in Coronation Street, Emmerdale and plays Clare Cartwright in Happy Valley.
Allen Leech - Tom Branson
Tom Branson started out as the family chaffeur but got married to Lady Sybil before moving to Ireland.
They were forced to flee and Sybil tragically died in childbirth, leaving Tom struggling to deal with his grief and being accepted as a family member by the Crawleys.
Tom was a major part of the first film as he saved the King's life and was courting a lady-in-waiting's illegitimate daughter.
Irish actor Allen Leech had already been in a major TV role before Downton, playing Marcus Agrippa in HBO drama Rome and Catherine Howard's former lover in The Tudors.
He's gone on to become a major film star, appearing in The Sweeney, The Imitation Game and as Freddie Mercury's manager and lover Paul Prenter in Bohemian Rhapsody.
Lesley Nicol - Beryl Patmore
Mrs Patmore was the Downton cook and bossily ran the kitchen staff.
The caring cook accidentally put salt in a pudding instead of sugar and discovered she needed daunting new surgery to fix her cataracts.
Mrs Patmore went on to open a Bed and Breakfast nearby and got into a relationship with Daisy's father-in-law Albert Mason.
Stage star Lesley Nicol played Rosie in the original West End production of Mamma Mia! from 2000 to 2002 and Auntie Annie in East is East, late reprising the role for the 1999 film and sequel West is West.
She has also appeared in Supernatural, Beecham House and as main character Billy Butcher's mum in Amazon series The Boys.
Dan Stevens - Mathew Crawley
Matthew was a distant cousin of the Crawleys who became heir to their estate, but he struggled living at Downton because of his middle class upbringing.
He was paralysed from the waist down during the First World War but made a miraculous recovery and rekindled his romance with Mary.
She gave birth to their son George in series 3 but Matthew was killed while driving back from the hospital in upsetting scenes.
Creator Julian Fellowes revealed he wanted Matthew to die in the following series but actor Dan Stevens wanted to leave sooner.
He went on to play The Beast in the live adaption of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Sir Lancelot in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb and David Haller in FX series Legion.
Dan has also become a bit of a Netflix star, appearing in the horror thriller Apostle and comedy Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.
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