Downton Abbey cast emotional about final scenes

The sixth series of Downton Abbey recently wrapped filming on the final scenes, understandably stirring strong emotions in the cast. This is, after all, to be the last season of the ITV period drama that has enjoyed tremendous success all over the world. The talented cast were assembled for a press screening at the Mayfair Hotel in London.

In a report by ITV News, various members of the cast expressed their thoughts on wrapping up on a show that has been part of their lives for the past six years.

Joanna Frogatt (who plays Lady Mary’s maid Anna Bates) said that though it was a sad day, it was also “a good time to finish.” She added:

“I just had my own tears, but it developed into everybody in tears by the end of the day, so I think I would have been been in absolute pieces if I’d been there for that very last moment.
But it was a wonderful final day actually, it was all the things you would hope it would be. It was happy, sad, it felt like a good time to finish this and we were all doing it together.”

Dame Maggie Smith, who plays fan favorite the Dowager Countess, discussed her plans for some well-deserved relaxation time along with a Downton Abbey box set. She will finally have a chance to enjoy the series in its entirety.

“I’m going to be lying down. I believe for quite some time,” Smith said, “The other thing I will be doing is watching it. I will get the box set and have a good look. I certainly haven’t watched anything that I’ve done. I have seen some of it, but I want to sit down and look at it all.”

Despite begin sad about the ending, show creator Julian Fellowes still feels that this is the right time to conclude the series. “The characters have been so real to me for six years,” Fellowes said.”I say goodbye to these golden years with a slight pang. But it seems the right time to go while we’re still firing.”
And on the topic of a possible Downton Abbey film, he had this to say: