Downton Abbey back for 3rd series
DOWNTON Abbey will definitely return for a third series, ITV said last night.
The broadcaster has commissioned another eight episodes of the smash-hit costume drama which will see the plotline run into the early 1920s. The current series ends on Sunday.
Julian Fellowes, creator of the award-winning drama, said he was thankful to ITV for another opportunity to carry on writing and working with the cast.
“I have grown very fond of my Downton family and I certainly do not want to say goodbye to them quite yet.”
He said recently: “In the Twenties there are big changes, new inventions, and different expectations I can’t wait to explore.”
Audience figures for the second and current series have increased by over 21 per cent on the first series with a consolidated average of more than 11million viewers watching the first six episodes.
Downton is the most popular drama series on for more than 10 years.
I have grown very fond of my Downton family and I certainly do not want to say goodbye to them quite yet
Gareth Neame, managing director of Carnival Films which produces the series, said: “We could not be more excited to invite audiences back to Downton next year.”
The new series will cover a period of 18 months in the lives of the on-screen Crawley family and servants.