Joanne Froggatt as Anna

THE 6am alarm call is never welcome on a Saturday.

But it has afforded me time to polish the silver and iron the morning newspapers.

Now, in a brief respite from my duties, I am told the Manchester Evening News – said to be favoured by Mr Crawley – has this very day published my discussion with a young lady by the name of Joanne Froggatt.

Who may also be known to some of you as Anna, the head housemaid at Downton Abbey.

So before my next task of this bright October morn, I have posted the article below for your entertainment.

Along with a number of strange links, including one to what I believe is known as a podcast.

Where, incredibly, you can hear the voices of both masters and servants.

And even transport them on astonishing mobile devices, the like of which I cannot fathom.

Now, if you will excuse me, I must away to decant the port.

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DOWNTON Abbey star Joanne Froggatt doesn’t hesitate when asked how she would have coped with life below stairs.

“I’d have hated it,” replies the actress who plays head housemaid Anna in the drama series, set in 1912, which has proved a runaway success for ITV.

“My grandma, who has passed away now, once said to me, ‘It’s very hard nowadays because you have so many choices, you don’t know where to go.’

“I’d much rather have the choices. I’d hate to say, ‘I can only have my career or I can only get married.’ I can’t think of anything worse. I love my career and I have aspirations both personally and career-wise, as well.”

She adds: “I suppose at the time you don’t know any different. So if you’ve grown up in that era and that was your upbringing, the choices aren’t there. You just accept your lot at the time. But looking back now, with all the things we can possibly do in our lives, then it seems a bit barbaric.”

Downton Abbey (ITV1, Sunday, 9pm) continues with the summer flower show in the village hall and Anna telling valet Mr Bates (Brendan Coyle) how she feels about him, as others try to get him into trouble. Manchester solicitor Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), the heir to Downton, is also attracting growing attention from Mary (Michelle Dockery).

Brendan Coyle as John Bates

“Anna is very sweet and kind-hearted. Her story has been a slow build over the series towards the middle and end, along with her feelings for Mr Bates,” explains Joanne.

“When they cast Brendan and I, they changed the story slightly because at first it was a much more immediate thing. They wanted it to build from a mutual friendship to something much deeper. A physical attraction. And it’s actually turned out so much nicer.

“Brendan and I loved doing their scenes. It was about them both respecting each other as decent people to start with, sharing the same sense of humour and all those natural things that happen. And later on there is a twist with Mr Bates. He’s got quite a few skeletons in the closet, which throws a spanner in the works of their relationship.”

Servants had to live by strict rules, even when it came to love. “You would have been sacked on the spot having relationships with other staff members or anybody else. It was absolutely not allowed.

“If you were a housemaid, you weren’t allowed men to call on the house. So however they did meet husbands was quite hard work because they weren’t allowed to talk to any men. They were kept very separate from them.

“A housekeeper was expected to stay a spinster. It was a choice between career and marriage at some point and every girl had to make that choice. It’s very rare that housekeepers were married, although they were always called Mrs because that was the etiquette.

“It was such a full on career and it was 24/7. They got half a day off every two weeks. So that then becomes their lives. Anna is head housemaid. So the next stage would be housekeeper in 15 or 20 years. In that time she’ll have to make that decision, ‘Do I marry and leave work? Or give up that chance and just have my career?’”

Joanna as Anna in this week's episode

Joanne agrees that younger viewers may be puzzled as to why people went into service in the first place. “There wasn’t any choice, really,” she says. “For a working class girl of that era, especially in a rural area, it was either marry and be at home with the children, work on the farm with the family or the best choice at that time was to go into service.

“It was a chance to travel, which people didn’t do. You were born and bred in your little village and that’s where you stayed. It was also a chance to meet different people. A lot of women joined service to meet their match. Anna’s genuinely a quite intelligent girl but she’s happy with her lot.”

ITV is delighted with weekly ratings of up to 12m and a second series of eight episodes has been commissioned for broadcast next year. It means a return for the cast to real life “upstairs” location Highclere Castle in Berkshire and Ealing Studios, where most of the downstairs scenes were shot.

As well as working with an etiquette expert, Joanne did her own research into the period. “I read a lot of things on the internet, watched Gosford Park (also written by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes) and The Remains of the Day. And I read a great book called Keeping Their Place, which was lots of letters between servants and employers. It gave you a real insight into the human side.”

Joanne, 31, was just 17 when she joined Coronation Street as tragic young mum Zoe Tattersall in 1997, leaving the next year. While working on Downton Abbey she swapped Weatherfield stories with fellow former Street star Rob James-Collier, who plays first footman Thomas. “Never say never but I don’t think Zoe could come back.”

She’s worked consistently ever since, including roles in Nature Boy, Island At War, See No Evil, The Street, Life On Mars, Murder In The Outback and plays a traumatised soldier returning from Iraq in feature film Our Name, which is released in December.

So where does Joanne see herself five years from now? “There’s a question. I’d like to be in Hollywood, married, baby, a millionaire…something along those lines,” she laughs.

*Episode five of Downton Abbey is on ITV1 at 9pm tomorrow (Sunday October 24)

Downton Abbey Podcast

Downton Abbey: What Is A Weekend?

Sealed With A Kiss: Rob James-Collier Interview

Downton Abbey Official Site.

Highclere Castle

Follow Ian Wylie on Twitter

The series two cast.

“YOU’LL find there’s never a dull moment in this house.”

Just one of many classic new lines from Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Dame Maggie Smith) in the second series of Downton Abbey.

The press were invited to Downton on Friday for the launch of the eight-part 2011 series, which will be followed by a Christmas special.

Or rather Highclere Castle in Berkshire, the real life location for the “upstairs” scenes in ITV1’s Yorkshire-set global hit.

The home of the eighth Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

As you’ll see from my photos further down this blog, Her Majesty’s Press took the bus to Downton from ITV’s South Bank HQ in London.

And were greeted by a number of servants who you won’t actually see on screen.

The Press with the notebooks in The Library

Seated in The Library, we were shown the first 90-minute episode and a showreel of highlights from the rest of the series.

Followed by three set piece press conferences.

And then a series of round table interviews with 15 cast members – ours took place in The Dining Room – after the serving of crustless sandwiches.

Kindly subjecting themselves to questioning were: Hugh Bonneville (Robert, Earl of Grantham), Elizabeth McGovern (Cora, Countess of Grantham), Dan Stevens (Matthew Crawley), Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary Crawley), Jessica Brown Findlay (Lady Sybil Crawley), Zoe Boyle (Lavinia Swire), Joanne Froggatt (Anna Smith), Brendan Coyle (John Bates), Jim Carter (Mr Carson), Phyllis Logan (Mrs Hughes), Rob James-Collier (Thomas Barrow), Allen Leech (Tom Branson), Amy Nuttall (Ethel Parks), Lesley Nicol (Mrs Patmore) and Sophie McShera (Daisy Robinson)

There will be much more to report closer to UK transmission of the second series this autumn.

For now, here are a few of my impressions about that first episode, hopefully without any major spoilers.

And don’t forget to scroll down for lots more photos.

Dan Stevens (Matthew) and Hugh Bonneville (Robert)

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The Somme 1916. Downton Abbey series two opens with a cacophony of noise amid the terrifying shelling of The Great War.

Former Manchester solicitor Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) – heir to Downton – is in a bomb crater, his face covered in mud just a shade darker than his Army uniform.

Death and devastation are all around as he carries a wounded soldier back to their trench.

Cue opening titles.

Jim Carter (Mr Carson) and Thomas Howes (William Mason)

Back at Downton, they are cleaning chandeliers – in stark contrast to the nightmare events in France.

But the war has reached far and wide, taking young men’s lives and leaving others wounded and shell-shocked.

As a tearful Lady Sybil Crawley says: “Sometimes it feels as if all the men I’ve danced with are dead.”

Scheming First Footman Thomas Barrow is at the Front, having carried out his plan to join the medical corps.

Yet far from avoiding action, he has found himself in the thick of battle and is desperate to find a way to return to Downton.

Second Footman William Mason is still serving the family at their country home but is equally desperate to join up and move in the other direction.

While Robert, Earl of Grantham hopes the day is coming when he too will be sent to fight in France.

We soon discover that Matthew is now engaged to Lavinia Swire, whose father is also a solicitor.

It’s also clear that Lady Mary now regrets hesitating over a future with cousin Matthew.

And what of head housemaid Anna and Mr Bates? The continuation of their love story is set to have viewers on the edge of their seats.

Would you expect anything else?

Behind the scenes.

Other highlights include: Outspoken new housemaid Ethel, played by former Emmerdale star Amy Nuttall; Lady Sybil learning how to cook in the kitchen before leaving to train as a nurse. Downton is about to be turned into a home for wounded officers; The arrival of newspaper proprietor Sir Richard Carlisle, played by Iain Glen; The return of an old scandal, and the appearance of red dress uniforms.

The good news for fans around the globe is that Downton Abbey has definitely raised the bar in this second series.

It hits the ground running two years on from where we left the story and simply doesn’t stop, even to iron the newspapers.

Writer Julian Fellowes’ is a master at weaving together ensemble casts and knowing just how to tug at our heart strings.

With more than a few shocks to come over two months of what promises yet again to be required Sunday night viewing.

Plus one of the most emotional steamy station platform scenes since The Railway Children.

A delicious televisual treat for us all to enjoy.

With even more good news to report:

Series three – expected to be set in the Roaring Twenties – is ready to go for 2012 as soon as TV bosses give the green light.

There is, indeed, never a dull moment.

Amy Nuttall as Ethel Parks

Laura Carmichael as Edith and Dame Maggie Smith as Violet

Brendan Coyle as John Bates and Joanne Froggatt as Anna Smith

Dan Stevens as Matthew, Zoe Boyle as Lavinia and Hugh Bonneville as Robert.

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The Press Visit

What is this place and its strange transport?

Our Press coach arrives at Downton / Highclere.

Downton meets Her Majesty's Press

Where's the chauffeur gone?

Team Servants await at the main door.

His Master's Voice

Looking down from The Gallery

Round table interviews in The Dining Room.

Post-interviews refreshment awaits.

The media relax on the lawn as Mr Carson checks for missing silverware.

An impeccable afternoon of gangsta rap.

And finally...croquet on the lawn.

Following in the footsteps of my ancestor Lord Wylie

Postscript:

We arrived at Downton Abbey / Highclere almost on the dot of 11am. Thirty years ago exactly to that date and time I was a young reporter sat at the front of St Paul’s Cathedral – in a media stand hidden from the TV cameras – looking directly at Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, just a few feet away, as they took their wedding vows.

Having also attended Diana’s funeral at Westminster Abbey and Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton, it somehow seemed appropriate to be at Downton Abbey exactly three decades after what ITV1 billed that evening as The Wedding of the Century.

My Order of Service:

Will we ever see one for Matthew and Mary? You already know the answer, don’t you? I guess we’re just going to have to wait and see…

Downton Abbey Series Two ITV Site

Highclere Castle

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Amy Nuttall as Ethel Parks

DOWNTON Abbey returns for a second series in the UK next month.

My report and photos from last Friday’s Press Launch at Highclere Castle are here.

Among those I spoke to was new Downton recruit Amy Nuttall.

An early taste of the interview – with mild spoilers – was published in Tuesday’s Manchester Evening News, but has yet to go online.

So let’s put that right below, shall we?

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Standing in line

DOWNTON Abbey star Amy Nuttall is set to shock fans of the global TV hit.

The Bolton-born actress plays new housemaid Ethel Parks when the ITV1 series returns to the screen in September.

One time Emmerdale favourite Amy, 29, who went to Bury Grammar School, said she was “thrilled” to play dramatic scenes involving outspoken northerner Ethel.

“It was terrifying and exciting to join the cast. This has been the best job I have worked on. I still have to pinch myself.”

The second eight-part series of the TV phenomenon, watched by up to 13m viewers, begins two years on in 1916 with Great War battle scenes at The Somme.

Former Manchester solicitor Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), heir to Downton, is in the trenches with scheming footman Thomas Barrow, played by ex-Coronation Street star Rob James-Collier.

Back at Downton, it is Ethel’s first day at work ahead of her dramatic scenes later in the series, which also features Irlam-born Lesley Nicol as cook Mrs Patmore.

“It felt like the first day at school, a proper new girl with an already close-knit family that have made the series so successful. I was completely in awe of the people I work with,” added Amy.

That included Dame Maggie Smith, who plays the stern Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham, famed for her character’s one-line quips.

“On that very first day I was filming in a scene with Dame Maggie, to make it all the more terrifying. But she said some lovely things and is definitely the mother of the cast.”

Getting ready for a take.

Amy also filmed many scenes with former Corrie actress Joanne Froggatt, who stars again as head housemaid Anna. While lady’s maid O’Brien, played by Oldham-born actress Siobhan Finneran, springs a number of tricks on Ethel to bring her down a peg or two.

Viewers will see Downton turned into a home for wounded officers, which brings new challenges and problems for everyone, including the below stairs staff.

“Ethel is very aware that the war is going to bring change to everyone and narrow the gap between upstairs and downstairs.” explains Amy.

“And so I think deep down she definitely believes it’s going to open more opportunities for women like her and she’s not going to have to stay stuck as a servant.

“She has ideas way above her station, is extremely naive and rubs people up the wrong way. There’s certainly trouble ahead.

“People are so excited about the next series. No-one could have foretold it would have been as big as it was.”

Highclere Castle in Berkshire doubles for the Yorkshire country house but Amy filmed most of her scenes at Ealing Studios in London, where the below stairs sets are built.

She quit her Emmerdale role as Chloe Atkinson in 2005 to pursue other challenges, including playing Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady at Manchester’s Palace Theatre. Amy was awarded an honorary degree by Bolton University last month.

Downton Abbey Series Two ITV Site

Downton Abbey 2: The Press Launch

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Rob James-Collier as Thomas Barrow.

IT’S back and, I’m pleased to report, better than ever.

Downton Abbey series two begins on ITV1 on Sunday September 18.

My first MEN feature on this much anticipated return is below.

You can also catch up on the July press launch at Highclere Castle here and meet new Downton star Amy Nuttall here.

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DOWNTON Abbey star Rob James-Collier admits he was shocked when he researched the latest twist in his TV career.

The former Coronation Street actor felt a duty to the fallen of the First World War as he filmed battlefield scenes for the second series of the global hit.

Fans are counting the days until the return of the television phenomenon, one of the biggest drama successes of recent years. It will see the stakes raised for all the characters.

The opening minutes of the new ITV1 series are not what they might be expecting. Two years on from where we left them, some familiar faces are in the bomb craters and trenches of The Great War.

The nightmare 1916 world of The Somme is about as far from genteel Downton as you can get. And there, among the muddied and bloodied faces, are ex-Manchester solicitor and heir Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) and Thomas Barrow, played by Rob.

Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley

First Footman Thomas planned to sign up with the medical corps to avoid action. But his scheme has backfired, with him and his colleagues sent into the thick of action.

Swinton star Rob, 34, spoke to series historical advisor Alastair Bruce before filming his battlefield scenes in the trenches. Alastair saw active service in the Falklands War and, as a reserve officer, spent a period on active operations in Iraq.

“It’s a conversation I’ll never forget,” recalls Rob. “The most amazing, exhilarating and sad conversation I’ve ever had in my life. It helped me immensely to get in the mindset. It couldn’t not. I won’t reveal what he told us – I don’t want to breach his privacy. But I’m forever grateful. It gave me the inspiration to try and do something with this story.

“Once you’ve heard it from someone’s mouth who’s been there – you hear these experiences and think, ‘I’ve got a duty as an actor to lock off and try and do it as best as I can.’

“I didn’t want to mess around on set. I just wanted it to look as good as I could make it look. You’re paranoid about not getting it right. It’s impossible to re-create it – I wasn’t there, I don’t know what it felt like. All that was on my mind was to try my best and represent it how it should be.”

The costume drama, created and written by Oscar-winning Julian Fellowes, was Rob’s first TV role since charmer Liam Connor was murdered in Weatherfield.

Viewers loved cunning Thomas, complete with slicked-back hair and white bow tie and tails, who made his mark with a gay kiss.

He looks very different when we first meet him in the new eight-part series, to be followed by a Christmas special, at the start of a dramatic story arc for Thomas. “It was nice to be back because you never know whether you’re going to make it into series two.” grins Rob.

“Then to see the journey he goes on is brilliant. Julian gave me the chance to show a frailer side to Thomas. A vulnerability and a sensitivity that, perhaps, we didn’t see in the first series. You can’t go on being bad all the way through, otherwise people get bored.”

Rob James-Collier as Thomas Barrow

The battlefield scenes were filmed near Ipswich. “The trenches were as close to real life as you could possibly get them. We had a guy called Taff who was part of a World War One re-enactment society. So he had his band of 30 merry men who came with their own gear. They knew all the stuff about how to conduct yourself and what went on in the trenches.

“When you hear the bombs going off, even though you know it’s just full of organic peat on the top, you still feel scared. It’s such a deafening noise, we had to have earplugs in for health and safety. But you could hear it even through that. So your reactions are natural because you are genuinely nervous. There was almost no acting required.

“I wanted us to do justice to how horrific Word War One was. And sometimes, if you haven’t got the budget, you can miss that. But I think the war scenes look superb.”

Thomas is desperate to find a way to return to the Yorkshire country house and eventually decides on an extreme course of action. “You see that number of dead people every day, you couldn’t blame anyone for doing it after two years of service,” he argues.

“We were in the trenches for just a couple of hours at a time. We can go and change our socks and get a brew. It wasn’t raining, it wasn’t cold. Our lives weren’t on the line. What those men went through is unbelievable.”

He adds: “Once the horrors of the war are over and he’s got out of that, his ambition to get where he needs to go is still there. He will scheme and trample over anyone to get where he wants to be.”

Yet with Downton turned into a home for the recovering injured, Thomas is a changed man. “When he deals with the wounded soldiers at Downton Abbey we see Thomas let the shutters down, let someone in and genuinely care for someone for the first time.”

Like the rest of the cast, Rob was stunned by the huge success of the drama. “The public seems to have taken it to their hearts and really latched on to it. So any banter I get, it’s in an affectionate, almost pantomime style.”

Julian’s original plan was to write three series. A third – set in the Roaring Twenties – is expected to be filmed in 2012, with pre-production ready to go as soon as ITV gives the green light.

“If they want me back next year, I’d love to do it,” confides Rob.

“The war started the first cracks in this wonderful life and brought about its downfall.

“People getting slaughtered on the battlefields and the survivors coming back home to service. They wanted more. I think that will be very interesting.”

*Downton Abbey series two begins on ITV1 at 9pm on Sunday Sept 18.

ITV Downton Abbey Series Two Official Site

Downton Abbey 2: The Press Launch

Downton Abbey: Amy Nuttall

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Lesley Nicol as Mrs Patmore

JUST under 36 hours to go now until the second series of Downton Abbey begins on ITV1.

As promised, below is my latest feature – published today in the MEN.

And if you haven’t done so already, you may also care to peruse these previous series two humble offerings:

Downton Abbey: Love and War

Downton Abbey: The Great War

Downton Abbey: Amy Nuttall

Downton Abbey 2: The Press Launch

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Joanne Froggatt as Anna Smith

THE recipe for TV success can be elusive, especially for those aiming to cause a stir with a new drama series.

No such problems for Downton Abbey, the award-winning television phenomenon, created by Julian Fellowes, returning for a second ITV1 series tomorrow night.

“I daren’t have predicted it – I’ve seen the best things go pear-shaped. It’s just great to be part of something this good,” declares Lesley Nicol, who plays cook Mrs Patmore.

“People I’ve never spoken to before come up and give me a hug.”

The daughter of a Scottish GP and Welsh actress, Lesley was born and raised in Irlam.

After early experience at Manchester’s Library Theatre, she trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Her acting CV includes Blackadder, Shameless, Dinnerladies, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe plus the London West End stage role of Rosie in Mamma Mia.

But like the rest of the cast, she was taken aback by the reaction to Downton Abbey.

Millions have taken quick-tempered Mrs Patmore to their hearts. She rules the roost in Downton’s below stairs kitchen with plenty of acting required from Lesley.

“It’s hilarious playing a cook because I don’t know a thing about it. I’m a terrible cook.

“Thank the Lord, my husband is a brilliant cook. Before I met him, if you were my friend and arrived for dinner, it wouldn’t be ready. You would have to finish it because I’d be flapping.”

She adds: “Somebody asked me recently what my signature dish was. So I replied, ‘Mince and potatoes.’ My dad taught me. It’s not very complicated.”

One of her best friends is actress Anne Reid, who co-incidentally landed the role of cook Mrs Thackeray in BBC1’s revival of Upstairs Downstairs after Lesley was cast as Mrs P.

“Annie’s even worse than me,” laughs Lesley.

“She rang me up when she got her job and said, ‘You will not believe what I am playing.’ When I first went round to Annie’s for dinner in Cheshire she had made two things, in case the first one was wrong.”

The new series begins two years on in 1916 with Manchester solicitor turned Downton heir Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) and First Footman Thomas Barrow, played by ex-Coronation Street star Rob James-Collier, in the thick of The Somme during The Great War.

Episode two sees the shadow of war fall over Mrs Patmore when her nephew Archie, serving with the Lancashire Fusiliers, is reported missing, presumed dead, in northern France.

Head housemaid Anna Smith (Joanne Froggatt) persuades the worried cook to enlist the help of Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) who can use his contacts at the War Office to find out more.

“The war affects all the characters hugely. There’s losses and heartache,” explains Joanne, who first came to notice as tragic young Weatherfield mum Zoe and has gone on to roles as diverse as Myra Hindley’s sister Maureen in See No Evil and Saskia in The Royle Family.

Brendan Coyle as John Bates and Joanne Froggatt as Anna Smith.

Anna’s troubled love affair with Lord Grantham’s valet John Bates (Brendan Coyle) appears to be on course for happiness in the opening 90-minute episode. She is tearful with joy as they kiss and embrace. But there are further twists on the horizon.

“We get excited about our scenes when we get new scripts from Julian and genuinely love playing Anna and Bates,” smiles Joanne. “It’s so nice to come back for a second series and already have a friendship and be able to just slip into the scenes.”

This eight-part series will be followed by a Christmas special. A third Downton season for 2012 appears certain.

“You want to keep going while it’s flying high and I’m sure Julian can make that happen for many years. It’s shown the public do want to watch great drama and exceeded all expectations,” adds Joanne.

The “upstairs” scenes are shot on location at Highclere Castle in Berkshire, with the below stairs set built at the rather less stately Ealing Studios in west London – including Mrs Patmore’s kitchen.

Daisy (Sophie McShera), Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol) and Lady Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay)

It plays host this year to Lady Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay) who wants to learn how to cook for herself before going off to train as a nurse. And we soon discover she can’t even fill a kettle, let alone make tea or boil an egg.

Lesley admits it feels very strange whenever the “upstairs” cast step into her world.

“They look all wrong. When I had a scene with Lady Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern) last year, I genuinely called her ‘Your Majesty’ three times. It felt like I was with the Queen because she looked like a different human being to what we are.”

She blames historical adviser Alastair Bruce for her own confinement, aside from a hospital visit last year to have Mrs P’s failing eyesight fixed.

“I hardly ever get out of the kitchen. In the last series there was a line-up of all the staff when a Duke came and he wouldn’t let me be in the line-up. He said, ‘There’s no way you would be there. You’d be in the kitchen with a huge dinner to prepare.’”

Both Mrs Patmore and this global hit really are cooking on gas. “They have proper heat, so we can have the pans with steam coming out. But we have to whisk and chop silently for sound reasons, so as not to drown out the dialogue.”

Even so, filming can sometimes take time to come to the boil.

“We did a scene the other day where we were all having a glass of wine as a treat at New Year. And we had to do it 12 times. A nightmare for them because they’ve got 20 glasses that they’ve got to empty out, wash, polish – it takes forever. But it was only cranberry juice.”

Meal times can also be challenging.

“We were eating Christmas pudding for a scene in the Christmas special and it had that custard from Marks and Spencer which is really nice. But after 45 minutes of filming I didn’t want anymore. That was tricky.

“I wouldn’t normally go near any of the food, frankly. But then I know that it’s sprayed with stuff so it doesn’t go off under the TV lights.”

Downton Abbey returns to ITV1 at 9pm tomorrow. (Sunday Sept 18)

ITV Downton Abbey Series Two Official Site

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The Milkman: Clive (Rob James-Collier), Ally (Alicya Eyo) and Bugsy (Shaun Mason)

MISSING your Sunday night slice of Rob James-Collier in Downton Abbey?

Well, you can see the former Coronation Street star in series three of BBC1’s acclaimed Moving On.

Along with the likes of Fay Ripley, Reece Dinsdale, Paul Rhys, Dean Lennox Kelly, Christine Bottomley, Ben Daniels, Eva Pope, Sally Philips and Warren Brown.

Together with less famous names (for now) like Shaun Mason.

Rob and Shaun appear tomorrow (Monday Nov 14) in The Milkman, the first of five new Moving On dramas screened at 2:15pm each weekday next week.

Worth setting the recorder for if you can’t watch them at the time they go out.

Shaun plays shy milkman Bugsy with former Bad Girls actress Alicya Eyo – who recently joined Emmerdale as Ruby Haswell – as single mum Ally.

Rob leaves Downton behind – at least until the Christmas special – to take the role of Ally’s estranged husband Clive, an assistant supermarket manager.

Written and this time also directed by John Fay, The Milkman also features a certain Billy Bragg track:

Former Shameless star Annabelle Apsion is among the cast of Tuesday’s drama – Tour Of Duty.

Paul Usher – Brookside’s legendary Barry Grant – makes a welcome return to the screen in Wednesday’s story – Punter.

Click on this link to read my exclusive interview with Paul earlier this year.

While Donor (Thursday) and The Poetry Of Silence (Friday) complete this 2011 series.

I attended the BAFTA launch of Moving On 3 last month.

A drama series created and still mentored by award-winning writer Jimmy McGovern.

Speaking again to LA Productions boss and series producer Colin McKeown and BBC Daytime Controller Liam Keelan.

I’ve got a lot of time for Colin and everyone involved in Moving On.

For them it’s not about making money or appearing on red carpets.

It’s about encouraging new writers, giving fresh talent a start in all areas of TV production, creating work and telling a good story.

Judging from the ratings for the first two series, it’s something that viewers have a lot of time for too.

Colin told me: “A lot of agents have said to me, ‘Why do you do it? The money’s too low.’

“And I’ve said, ‘I don’t care how low it is. It’s an opportunity for us to say – this is our work.’

“It is a loss leader, we don’t make any money but I’d rather put every single halfpenny that I’ve got on that screen than to say, ‘I’ve made something weak but I’ve made some money out of it.’ It’s a silly equation, really.”

Below is a flavour of what they all said at BAFTA.

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Tour of Duty: Dean Lennox Kelly (Sam) and Christine Bottomley (Caroline)

Liam Keelan spoke before a screening of The Milkman and a showreel of highlights from the other four dramas:

“It needs very little introduction this drama. It’s very much a platform for new and up and coming talent, whether that’s writers or directors and so on, mentored by Jimmy McGovern and Colin’s team. We’re very grateful for this drama because it now feels at the heart of BBC Daytime and at the heart of what we should be doing.

“I joke – or not joke – with Colin sometimes about how I think as long as I’m doing this job I want to see Moving On in the schedules. That might not be too long given the BBC cuts going on but I’m very proud of the series.”

Liam assured me later that he had, indeed, been joking about his job.

Colin McKeown added: “It’s been a fantastic opportunity to give people their first start in different things. John Fay is a very experienced writer but it’s his first opportunity to write and direct. I think he’s done a great job on it.”

Punter: Reece Dinsdale (Billy) and Eva Pope (Michelle)

Post-screening Q&A:

Liam: “I’ve often said that Neighbours going to Channel 5, as scary as it was at the time because it was the highest rating show on BBC Daytime, was probably the best thing that could have happened because it freed up a lot of money to do more interesting stuff. It was a stroke of luck in a way.”

What about a fourth series for Moving On?

Liam: “We’re sorting out finances and stuff at the moment. As I say, as long as I’m doing this job I think it will continue. No-one else really does it in this way, so I think it’s pretty certain that it will come back.”

Every other series has also had a later primetime BBC1 re-run slot. The same for series three?

Liam: “I would certainly hope so, yes. I’m sure it will. It’s always been commissioned solely for daytime and it’s the strength of the stories that’s given it a primetime outing.”

John Fay explained that The Milkman was his first experience of directing as well as writing:

“I’ve never seen before ‘written and directed by John Fay’ and it just looked wrong! I’ll be eternally grateful for getting the opportunity to do it. I don’t think anyone else would have given me that chance. And it was a fascinating process to go through. The whole team knew their job.

“It’s about giving a chance to new people. I think that’s really valuable – and I have been knocking around for a while on the right side of things. But its great to have that opportunity. It’s basically Play For Today, which is fantastic. It’s great as a writer to be given a slot. Budgets are very low and all that and there’s limited time that you have to film it but just as a writer to be told, ‘Go and write a story, whatever the hell you want,’ is just fabulous.”

Donor: Paul Rhys (Andy) and Sally Philips (Christina)

John Fay wrote the script with Shaun Mason in mind:

Shaun Mason: “It was fantastic. I felt so lucky and so fortunate to get the part. I was doing a pantomime, of all things, and I get this call and it was like, ‘Can you do this milkman thing?’ It was amazing. This is a brilliant character.”

I asked Colin what lessons he had learned from making the first two series?

Colin: “I think things have got a lot easier because when we first started I’d speak to the agents and they’d go, ‘Who? What?’ So I’d have to try harder to try and convince people.

“One of the things that’s happened organically is that people have liked the show and come together with the show. As a producer it’s the opportunity to have a screen, to get out there and to try your art. And if you don’t practise it you don’t get better.

“I’ve learned an awful lot about every single aspect of it. But I’ve also learned that if you’re really faithful to the material and you put so much emphasis on good writing – and Jimmy is a hard taskmaster for all the right reasons, which is fantastic from our perspective – and don’t try and scrimp and save…

“It’s my series so I can pull in my favours. Having been 40 years in the game, have I got a lot of favours to pull in. And I made them work, hence the cast. But I have to pull in less and less favours these days because people genuinely want to do it. So you do learn and you have to push the bar up and every time we push the bar up. And when we get series four it will be even better.”

I spoke to Liam afterwards and asked if the proposed transfer of some BBC2 daytime content to BBC1 might put pressure on the 2:15pm drama slot?

Liam: “The success of those dramas speak for themselves really and even though the schedule is changing, that part of the BBC1 schedule hasn’t changed at all. It’s still that 2:15 slot in the afternoon. I think it would be mad not to carry on doing drama in the afternoon because it’s so successful.”

Only five films in the series this time compared to the usual 10?

Liam: “That was down to money, at that time. I think you’ll continue seeing about five of these.”

The Poetry Of Silence: Fay Ripley (Ann), Joe Dempsie (Kieran) and Ben Daniels (John)

And finally I sat down for a quick chat with Colin McKeown:

Colin: “I love it when people say, ‘Do you think you could deliver in an X amount of time?’ If you need a mountain moving by Thursday night, I’ll do it by Wednesday for you. And with the same quality. So I was grateful for the gig, even though it was a reduced gig. But I’m confident that the standards haven’t dropped. If you get less you have to try harder.

“We’ve got an awful lot of people queuing up now saying, ‘Can I be in it?’ And that’s really refreshing. I can’t wait to tell you the list of people who are doing to do series four when we make it. It’s so exciting. Some of the names that have said they’ll do it are breathtaking.

“But already we’ve had Anna Massey and Corin Redgrave, both of them now passed away unfortunately. We had the opportunity of working with both of them just before they died. And I was happy that their last testimony of their work was working with us. Dominic West had a fantastic experience. And the cast for this series is phenomenal.

“I want to inspire other people. I think other people should give chances to writers coming through.

“We get very good feedback. Jimmy sets a standard which is incredible. He’s one of the best writers of his generation. And if it stems from good scripts, it transmits itself to other people, other writers.”

Is he worried by BBC budget cuts?

“I worry about what I can do. As long as I’m given the opportunity then my job is not to let that standard fail in any way. The way I see it is, ‘Nobody can not commission quality like that.’ More fool them if they don’t, in my humble opinion. It’s worrying to see a closing in of the industry but from what I believe, drama is not going to be hit anywhere near other areas. I think they’re losing one series overall on BBC but they’re going to be made up in a couple of years.”

Series four?

“We know we can’t get the green light until April 1st because that’s when the financial New Year starts. And where we place it in that year – we can shoot it sometime within that year. But because we’ve got an awful lot of people who have said they want to be in it, we’ve got the luxury of making sure it fits their availability. And that’s what we’ll do. We’ve still got to keep the bulk of the shoot together but if it means pushing it towards the back end of the year, we will.”

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Dan Stevens as Matthew and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary.

STRICTLY Come Downton is set to waltz off with the Christmas Day TV ratings glitterball.

Downton Abbey stars will be tripping the light fantastic in their feature length ITV1 special which includes upstairs dancing with downstairs at the New Year servants’ ball.

Phyllis Logan as Mrs Hughes and Hugh Bonneville as Lord Grantham.

Hugh Bonneville (Lord Grantham) was paired with Phyllis Logan, who plays housekeeper Mrs Hughes.

“We had an off screen dancing competition and it was clear from the outset we would win Strictly Come Downton,” revealed Hugh.

Phyllis added: “We had to learn the waltz which I thought would be quite simple – but we were knackered at the end of it. Lots of kicking shins and bruised toes.”

Rob James-Collier as Thomas.

Former Coronation Street star Rob James-Collier, who plays Downton bad boy footman Thomas, dances with the Dowager Countess.

“I had to take the legend that is Dame Maggie Smith for a spin on the floor! I was so nervous and managed to stand on the Dame’s toe,” he said.

“But we had a laugh and she was so great with me. I think she humoured me and my two left feet.”

Rob James-Collier as Thomas and Maggie Smith as Violet.

The cast had dancing lessons before filming which left Lesley Nicol – cook Mrs Patmore – injured on the sidelines.

Explained Lesley: “Dan Stevens (Matthew Crawley) kicked me in the leg, not on purpose, but it put me out with an ice pack for a good 10 minutes.

“I imagined it would be like dancing with Prince Charming for her. He would have been the most handsome piece of eye candy you could possibly dance with, so I rather did enjoy it.”

But poor kitchenmaid Daisy, played by Sophie McShera, missed out on her big moment despite learning to dance with the rest of the cast.

“They were hilarious – we were proper limbering up and wanted to wear leg warmers and everything. We were all being very silly,” she said.

“I was promised a little dance with Matthew Crawley – I was so made up. We rehearsed and then I didn’t even get to do any dancing. I watched it longingly, learned all the steps.

“I was so excited, then nothing. Devastated I was.”

Elizabeth McGovern as Cora and Jim Carter as Carson.

Michelle Dockery, who stars as Lady Mary, was also left without a partner at one stage so formed her own judges’ panel.

“I was sat with Maggie watching the others and between takes Maggie and I were shouting numbers, almost like in Strictly Come Dancing, giving them scores,” she recalled.

“We had a real laugh watching everyone.”

And head judge Lord Grantham’s final verdict?

“Rob James-Collier and Maggie Smith were a sight to behold. It was a joy – poetry in motion.”

The Downton Abbey special is set at Christmas 1919 and leads into the New Year of 1920, with a third series to be screened next year.

*Downton Abbey is screened on ITV1 between 9pm and 11pm on Christmas Day and will be up against BBC1’s EastEnders (9pm to 10pm) and Absolutely Fabulous (10pm – 10:30pm).

*Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas Day Special – recorded earlier this week – is on BBC1 between 8pm and 9pm.

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THE Christmas tree is being decorated as the house prepares for the festive season.

Before the Granthams hand out presents to their servants for Christmas Day 1919.

Welcome to the Downton Abbey Christmas special, screened for the media at London’s Mayfair Hotel this afternoon (Tuesday Dec 13).

Followed by two question and answer sessions with the cast.

We were all required to sign embargo forms preventing us from disclosing the secrets of this two-hour ITV1 episode, broadcast at 9pm on Christmas Day.

Not that I would ever publish any serious spoilers.

But I can say that the Downton Abbey Christmas special is a joyous festive gift to the nation.

With laughter, tears and, yes, snow.

Yet more wicked one-liners from Dame Maggie Smith.

Plus guest appearances from Nigel Havers as Lord Hepworth and Sharon Small as lady’s maid Marigold Shore.

Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol) and Daisy (Sophie McShera)

You will already know that valet John Bates is facing trial, accused of murdering his wife.

And that this visit to Downton takes us into the New Year of 1920, including the annual Servants’ Ball – where “upstairs” dances with “downstairs”.

Allowing a glorious above stairs glimpse of cook Mrs Patmore and Daisy in their gladrags and finest party hair.

Brendan Coyle (John Bates) said the cast felt it was the best episode they had produced so far.

Adding: “The stakes are very, very high for all sorts of characters.”

John Bates (Brendan Coyle) in the dock.

We also learned that the third series begins filming on Feb 13 2012 and will be set a short time on from the Christmas special.

It will consist of eight episodes plus – it was revealed – another separate two hour special.

Although Julian Fellowes’ scripts for the first two episodes are still in their early drafts, cast members said they were looking forward to fresh horizons ahead.

Producer Liz Trubridge explained: “It will inevitably move on. But I honestly can’t tell you where because we don’t know yet. Each series should be distinctive and this is moving into the Twenties.”

Liz also told me that there will be another Christmas special 12 months from now – that two hour 2012 episode – although it may not actually be set during the festive period.

Rob James-Collier (Thomas) spoke again about dancing with Dame Maggie Smith, and what happened when he stood on her toe.

May I have this dance?

While Lesley Nicol (Mrs Patmore) told of her hopes for romance for the hard-working cook.

It also emerged – if we didn’t know already – that Tom Hanks is an alleged celebrity fan of the show.

Dan Stevens (Matthew Crawley) spoke about the global reaction to Downton:

“The happy, friendly vibes from all over the planet about our show is terrific.”

Below is my edited transcript of this afternoon’s two post-screening Q&A sessions, removing questions (and answers) that would obviously spoil the episode.

Cast members at the launch included Dan Stevens (Matthew Crawley), Brendan Coyle (John Bates), Phyllis Logan (Mrs Hughes), Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith Crawley), Lesley Nicol (Mrs Patmore), Sophie McShera (Daisy Mason), Rob James-Collier (Thomas Barrow) and Siobhann Finneran (Sarah O’Brien).

Plus director Brian Percival and producer Liz Trubridge.

*****************************************************************************

Anna (Joanne Froggatt) with Downton support in the public gallery at York Assizes.

First Q&A:

Q: Dan – we’ve been asked to sign an embargo today to keep the secrets (in this episode) which I’m sure we all will. But how do you keep the secrets? Because I’m sure you get asked all the time about the fate of Matthew and Mary?

Dan Stevens (Matthew): “Yes. I generally threaten people and say, ‘I could tell you but then I’d have to eat you / kill you,’ all the rest of it. No, it is quite easy. It’s part of the fun of the show, certainly as far as I’m concerned, our storyline. That ‘will they, won’t they’ element is one of the enjoyable things about being part of Downton, really, is the game that you play outside of it. Trying to keep the scripts from my wife is the biggest challenge.”

Q: How do you feel being the highlight of ITV1’s Christmas Day schedule?

Brendan Coyle (Bates): “Christmas television has become such a part of the Christmas culture – British television, British Christmas. So to be a part of that, it’s really gratifying. It’s significant. It’s indicative of the success of the show – I think we deliver. We’re very proud of this episode. I think collectively we’re starting to feel it’s our best. So we’re very happy with it.”

Phyllis Logan (Mrs Hughes): “I agree.”

The New Year's Day shooting party.

Q: Are you aware of the international appeal of the series and the reactions from abroad?

Dan Stevens: “Yes. Mainly via Twitter. I’m amazed…there’s not a week that goes past and there’s somebody in Ulan Bator or Rio de Janeiro or whatever and they suddenly say, ‘Oh, Downton starts this week.’ And you completely forget that it’s staggered across the world. I think the second series started going out in Italy on Sunday? And a few tweets from the Netherlands very recently. It just started the second season there, didn’t it? It’s amazing. Just the happy, friendly vibes from all over the planet about our show is terrific.”

Q: Why does it work so well internationally?

Liz Trubridge (Producer): “I’ve asked a Spanish journalist that question, actually. I said, ‘Why is it so huge in Spain?’ And she said, ‘Beautiful people, lovely costumes, gossip, love. Why not?’ So that’s the best answer I can give you. I think good storylines are universal.”

Q: What do you hope for your characters in series three?

Phyllis Logan: “As for Mrs Hughes, I think finding things out about her, ‘Ah, I wouldn’t have expected THAT of Mrs Hughes.’ But then he always comes up trumps Julian with something which I can identify with. So there may be yet more skeletons in cupboards…not skeletons in cupboards but aspects to her character which lead her in a certain path. Who knows? I can’t wait to find out. They won’t tell us.”

Brendan Coyle: “We’re the last to know.”

Phyllis Logan: “We will be.”

Dan Stevens: “I think Matthew and Mary could reprise their musical duo and get into jazz and tour Paris or Berlin. I’m not fussed. That might be an interesting direction.” (laughter)

Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith): “I don’t know. More heartache? Who knows. Possibility of finding love. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll take up driving now that I can drive.”

Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary.

Q: Brendan – can you sympathise with viewers’ frustration that because it’s on ITV we get a few minutes of action before it goes to an ad break, which is annoying a lot of fans?

Brendan Coyle: “It’s the nature of the beast. We rely on revenue to pay for the programme. So that’s just simply the nature of it.”

Q: With regard to the Christmas episode, obviously you have a huge following in the States and the cat’s going to be out of the bag. So how is this episode actually rolling out internationally?

Liz Trubridge: “It depends on the countries. But I think certainly in the States this episode is just going to follow on the whole series. So it will become their episode seven I believe.” (Downton series two begins PBS Sunday Jan 8th 2012)

Q: You are all optioned for the third series. What happens at that point? Are there plans to continue?

Liz Trubridge: “The re-commission doesn’t really happen until the end of each series. So it’s just further down the line. And if there’s still a will to make it and there’s still an appetite for it, I’m sure people are going to be very happy to do that.”

Dame Maggie Smith as Violet

Q: How many of you had to take dancing lessons in order to do the Servants’ Ball?

Phyllis Logan: “All of us. Well you notice you never saw any feet during that whole section. But we sweated up a storm didn’t we, that day?”

Laura Carmichael: “It was a very small, hot room and it was hilarious. And we were all learning how to waltz, which is very hard. I don’t think anyone was as nervous as Rob who had to go up and ask Maggie for a dance. But he did it beautifully.”

Phyllis Logan: “But I don’t think we’ll be vying for a place in Strictly.”

Dame Maggie Smith as Violet and Hugh Bonneville as Robert.

Q: There’s a kind of element of sadism in Julian Fellowes’ script writing. He delays pleasure for all of you and you all have to keep it buttoned down the whole time. Is there a frustration in always having to repress – you can’t do big emotions very much in your various performances?

Laura Carmichael: “I find that satisfying to play. I think it’s more interesting. As nice as the idea of, say, Edith being very happy, it’s far more interesting to play those moments as there are in life, when you don’t get what you want. And the added element of the period and how you have to play maybe different how we would today and keeping a lid on it – again, that’s a challenge and I think brings something extra to the stories. It’s not all running round and screaming and smiling and crying. It’s subtler than that. Which is a challenge. But I enjoy it.”

Dan Stevens: “I don’t think many people get to play big emotions, really, in life, actually. Particularly in this country. And I think the kind of, ‘Get aahht,’ or, ‘Leave it, it’s family…’ sort of school of acting, that’s actually our modern melodrama in a way. That’s far less naturalistic and everything than what we’re engaged in. And actually there are moments of quite high emotion. I think the structure of how we shoot the show serves that quite well. We see two scripts at a time. So when we started the series we hadn’t seen episode three, let alone episode eight. So in terms of where your storyline is going, you have to as an actor keep the arc in such a place that you’re not committed to, ‘Well, Matthew clearly hates Mary and this is never going to work,’ or the opposite. So actually the ball is kept in the air for us and we have to play with that.”

The New Year shooting party.

Phyllis Logan: “It’s almost strangely liberating to have those constraints on you where you don’t go about screaming and bawling the odds and gesticulating like an idiot all over the place. It’s quite challenging as well to feel that you’ve got to get a certain emotion across but in a more subtle way than giving it full welly.”

Brendan Coyle: “And it was a different time in the way people expressed themselves and communicated. Now we’re all encouraged to say what we thing and what we feel, to express ourselves. People not so much then, especially amongst the lower classes. I think that restraint is part of the appeal of the show, the way people communicate. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t convey high emotion, which I think we’ve seen in the Christmas special. The stakes are very, very high for all sorts of characters.”

Brian Percival (Director): “I think it’s also more interesting for an audience as well because it allows them to work a little bit harder. Not everything’s there. It invites you to think a little bit more about the characters and the stories. What they’re about. I think that is part of its appeal because it allows you to sit there as a viewer and form our own opinion. It’s not all given to us. And so in that way, hopefully, the audience feels more involved.”

Q: How important is it for you to beat EastEnders in the ratings on Christmas Day?

Brian Percival: “It’s not at all, really. We just set out to make the best show we can and something that we’re all proud of. I started off right at the very beginning with Downton, the very first episode with Liz, and we didn’t anticipate any of the success that it would have. We just wanted to make something that we were proud of and that we all felt involved in and that we all worked together, as a team, to achieve that goal. We don’t set out to beat anybody. I think if you make television to do that then it’s the kiss of death.”

Brendan Coyle: “As a viewer, if you want to watch just one or the other or both, you will, regardless of how they’re scheduled.”

Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary

Q: Dan – how are you coping with all the female attention you must be getting and how is your wife taking it?

“Well, the female attention I have to struggle hardest with is my two-year-old daughter. She’s just entered the terrible twos. So that’s my biggest challenge at the moment.”

*******************************************************************************

The shooting party lunch.

Second Q&A:

Q: What are your hopes for your characters in the third series?

Sophie McShera (Daisy): “My basic hope for Daisy is a new dress. That’s about it. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

Lesley Nicol (Mrs Patmore): “I want a bloke. I think it would be nice to see her in love.”

Rob James-Collier (Thomas): “Whatever comes along. We’ll see what happens. A valet would be nice because he’s been banging on about it for two series. So it would be nice to be a valet. We’ll see.”

Siobhan Finneran (O’Brien): “Mine’s similar to Sophie’s. I’m quite hoping she discovers false eyelashes and a bit of red lippy. And a new hairdo, a new frock. And a new outlook on life. I want a broomstick to fly above the turrets of Downton on…” (laughter)

Samantha Bond as Lady Rosamund.

Q: Rob – you were quite nervous about approaching Dame Maggie Smith for a dance?

Rob James-Collier: “Well wouldn’t you be? On the day I was really nervous. That coupled with the fact that I can’t actually dance. Unless it’s break-dancing. But frankly we’ve got a great director in Brian Percival who allays your fears and you’ve just got to jump in there. Maggie was cool, she had a laugh. I stood on her toe and got the death ray glare. But I got through it. But it was extremely nerve-wracking. I pitched the lift from Dirty Dancing, where she jumps, but she wasn’t happy with that. I don’t think she was convinced I had the upper body strength.” (smiles)

Q: More evil Thomas?

Rob James-Collier: “Whatever comes. I’m just happy to be working. I don’t think of it like that. I just wait until I get the script and then see what’s there and then work with that.”

Sharon Small as Marigold Shore.

Q: Period drama costumes?

Siobhan Finneran: “Well the girls upstairs wear amazing costumes. We’re usually neck to floor in black. There’s a lot of costume envy goes on. But you’re not constantly having to get changed throughout the day, so that’s a bonus. And they’re comfortable.”

Q: (I asked this one) Is there scope for another Christmas special next year or do you think this is very much a one-off idea?

Liz Trubridge: “We are doing an episode to go out at Christmas. I wouldn’t necessarily say it will be set at Christmas next year but it will go out.”

Q: What is about Downton Abbey that makes it such a good show for Christmas?

Brian Percival: “There’s a character in there for everyone, I guess. To begin with when we started there was such a diversity of characters that for most of the viewing public, they would identify more with one or two characters than they would the others. Hopefully, the idea was, that then through looking out for or rooting for their favourite character they would become involved in the other storylines and the other characters and they might be drawn eventually to characters who they might not initially spark from. It got a broad appeal initially because literally there was somebody in there that everybody either liked or liked to hate. And the mixture of comedy, drama and pathos. I think there’s moments in there emotionally that we’ve all come into contact with in one way or another and has left a mark on us. I think it gives the audience an opportunity to explore or to re-visit things in their own lives where they’ve felt similar emotions.”

Q: Rob – are your recognise now more from Downton than Coronation Street?

Rob James-Collier: “It’s not a different fan base because Downton has got something for everyone so it spreads right across the whole audience. So people who watch soaps will watch it but people who watch gritty drama will watch it. It’s got that crossover. I don’t pay attention to what I get recognised for. I just act. If you start paying attention to that you would just go insane.”

Iain Glen as Sir Richard, Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary and Dan Stevens as Matthew.

Q: Could Downton eventually reach the 1950s or 60s?

Siobhan Finneran: “None of us lot would be in it. We’d all be dead.”

Rob James-Collier: “I think it would be crazy if it did.”

Liz Trubridge: “I can’t see it myself, to be honest. It would just become something else.”

Rob James-Collier: “But I would love to see Carson in the midst of Beatlemania. That would be a nice storyline.” (laughter)

Q: Would any of you ever suggest something for your character to Julian Fellowes?

Lesley Nicol: “I did say to him. Because my agent said, ‘People keep saying to me, why doesn’t Mrs Patmore have a love interest?’ And it’s a bit insane because she looks like the back end of a bus, to be fair. But on the other hand people say to me, ‘Well, actually, that would be an interesting diversion.’ So I did say to Julian, ‘I know it sounds crackers, but that’s what’s happening.’ And he said, ‘Never say never.’”

Liz Trubridge: “He’s actually pretty open to people’s suggestions. He really is.”

Q: Have you had any reactions from abroad?

Siobhan Finneran: “My cousin’s kids think I can speak fluent Spanish. So I’m delighted with that. Because they sat in Madrid and watched it. She called me and said, ‘You’re going to get a shock at Christmas when they come over because they’re going to expect you to speak in Spanish.’ I’d quite like to see it dubbed.”

Rob James-Collier: “Apparently the Spanish guy, whoever it is, who does the voiceover has got an infinitely sexier and deeper voice than mine.”

Siobhan Finneran: “And the man who does mine…” (laughter)

Rob James-Collier: “So if I ever go to Spain, they’re going to be disappointed.”

Q: Rob and Siobhan – reaction from fans?

Rob James-Collier: “For me, it’s almost pantomime-esque. It’s all playful banter. I’ll go into a Post Office and get booed and stuff like that. I’ll get a bit of stick from a guy with a load of kids in a coffee shop. But then at the other end of the spectrum he’ll pay for my Latte or Cappuccino or something. So swings and roundabouts.”

Siobhan Finneran: “Usually the reaction is, ‘Oh my God, you’re not as fat and you’re not as ugly.’ That’s my usual reaction. And then the next one is, ‘Could she be nastier?’ Because they really like her being nasty. ‘Are you going to be nasty and what are you going to do next?’ That’s it really.”

Rob James-Collier: “I’ve found that if a softer side to the character inches in, people are offended by that. They don’t like you being soft. So I get stick for going soft.”

Charades

Q: Where is the weirdest place that you’ve been recognised from Downton and the oddest request from a fan?

Lesley Nicol: “Just last night at the (cast) showing, a very drunk man came up to me and he went, ‘Oh my God, you look 30 or 40 years younger than you really are.’ Which makes me 10.”

Sophie McShera: “I don’t really get recognised that much.”

Siobhan Finneran: “I had somebody come up to me and say, ‘Oh, could I just have a word. I need to just say to you – television does nothing for you.’ I had to just take that as a compliment.”

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“LIFE is strange, isn’t it?”

Downton Abbey series three, episode nine.

Otherwise known as the 2012 Christmas Special, just broadcast by ITV1 tonight – December 25 – in the UK.

If you have yet to watch it, do NOT read any further.

Come back later once you have viewed.

That obviously also goes for our American cousins waiting for series three to begin on PBS on Jan 6.

As well as other Downton fans across the globe who are not yet up to the UK series pace.

There are major spoilers below.

So unless you want to read them, stop now.

That’s STOP!

I’ve placed a photo of Mr Bates (Brendan Coyle) in the Christmas episode below.

To remind you that he still has friends of friends behind bars who will seek you out if you don’t do the right thing.

Followed by a treasured image of Mr Carson (Jim Carter).

And you don’t want to get on the wrong side of his silver service.

If you have any doubts whatsoever, please leave now!

For those still here who have seen the two-hour ITV1 episode, you will know that we have to begin at the end.

There has been much speculation about Dan Stevens’ future in the series.

But ITV, Carnival Films, the cast and crew, post-production team and everyone else involved deserve applause for keeping those final scenes a secret.

Whatever your view on the loss of Matthew Crawley from the show.

No preview tapes were made available to the media ahead of tonight’s screening.

As had been the case before the shock death of Lady Sybil earlier in this series.

A decision forced on writer Julian Fellowes by actress Jessica Brown Findlay’s choice to pursue other roles.

The killing off of Matthew in this high profile Christmas Special, however, involved much higher stakes.

Dan, like Jessica, no doubt felt the time had come to move on.

With no other realistic way to write him out aside from a dramatic death.

Perhaps we should have seen the clues, especially in the way Julian has positioned the series this year to bring in new regular characters, as well as retaining the old.

There was also a quote from Hugh Bonneville (Robert, Lord Grantham) during an appearance on Jo Whiley’s BBC Radio 2 show back in November.

Although I don’t think it was reported elsewhere, I made a note of his reply when asked if this year’s Christmas episode would make viewers cry.

“That’s the wonderful thing about the show,” he said.

“It tugs you in so many directions in the space of one episode or even one scene.

“But there’s plenty of everything in this episode, I can assure you.”

As the forward-thinking heir to Downton and married to Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), Matthew was a cornerstone of the series.

A position cemented by the arrival in the final part of tonight’s episode by the birth of his own son and heir.

I suspect many viewers would have been happy to go to bed on Christmas night having seen the future of Downton assured in a Yorkshire hospital.

“Hello my dearest little chap,” said Matthew as he held his son for the first time.

“I wonder if he has any idea how much joy he brings with him?”

To which Mary replied: “We have done our duty. Downton is safe.”

In the light of what happened next, repeat viewings of Matthew and Mary’s final moments together – and that last kiss – will take on extra poignancy.

The rest of the family are gathered in the Downton library. Robert and Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) have a grandson.

All is well. Roll the closing titles?

But what’s this?

Cut to an overjoyed Matthew driving his sports car back from the hospital, through the Downton woods on a single track road.

Then back to Robert in the library, remarking, “Life is strange, isn’t it?”

Time for alarm bells to start ringing.

Is this a new father motoring into a wonderful future?

Or a man actually driving towards his death?

A small lorry is seen coming up the rise of a hill towards Matthew’s car.

We don’t see the actual accident or hear the noise.

Just the aftermath plus soundtrack.

The car is off the road, upside down among the trees.

With Matthew, eyes open, trapped under the car. Clearly dead.

Back to Mary in her hospital bed with Anna (Joanne Froggatt) at the bedside.

So happy.

The camera goes back to the accident scene and the blood from Matthew’s fatal injuries.

And then a final shot – a slow zoom, held for just that little bit longer than might be usual – of Mary with her baby son.

Yet to learn the terrible news that will cast a long shadow over them both.

A truly memorable television moment.

I know fans will be upset that Dan has left the series.

Some very upset indeed.

But Julian and all involved certainly gave him a classic exit.

Of course it’s sad that a favourite character is killed off on Christmas night.

But let’s remember that he is just that – a character in a fictional drama.

It leaves Dan free to, hopefully, enjoy other major successes on stage and screen.

While also giving Downton a serious kick-start into series four.

That begins filming in February for UK broadcast next autumn.

A year ago today the final scene of Downton Abbey’s 2011 Christmas episode ended in the most romantic of festive ways.

Matthew proposing to Mary as the snow fell.

This year we were reminded that, in life, not all endings can be happy.

And that none of us have all the time in the world.

No-one in the Downton team wants the show to outstay its welcome.

Some observers have predicted that Julian and co may be planning to end on a high in 2014 after a total of five series and perhaps one last special.

Whatever the truth, you could argue there wasn’t much fresh ground for Dan to explore in Matthew in future series.

But his departure certainly opens up more avenues for Mary’s storylines and the series as a whole.

So what of the rest of this visit to Downton?

The episode began “one year later” from the last time we visited the estate.

Placing it in the summer of 1921.

We learned that the high point of his Lordship’s calendar was nigh.

An annual trip to see family in Scotland….the Flintshires – Shrimpie (Peter Egan) and Susan (Phoebe Nichols) – at Duneagle Castle.

A rather grander family home than Downton. But then as we were to learn later, appearances can be deceptive.

Rather more importantly, it was very quickly revealed that Mary is eight months pregnant.

Hence the episode’s time shift after some expectant “child imminent” signposting in the previous episode.

Former chauffeur Tom with now toddler “Sybbie” in his arms, is staying behind at Downton.

Along with most of the below stairs cast.

With just John and Anna Bates, O’Brien (Siobhan Finneran) and Molesley (Kevin Doyle) accompanying the family north.

One of the highlights of this episode was the performance of the superb Allen Leech as widowed and still grieving Tom.

All alone but rejecting the approaches of new maid Edna (MyAnna Buring).

Finally breaking down in a library scene of real tenderness with the always pitch perfect Phyllis Logan as Mrs Hughes.

The wise housekeeper helping him both take his new place in the world and cope with his loss:

“You must bear it. And one day I hope – and so would she – you’ll find someone to bear it with you. But until then, be your own master and call your own tune.”

Not hard to imagine that Julian might have big series four plans for the Downton land agent?

With the rest of the family away, Mr Carson’s efforts to keep his staff on the straight and narrow provided some light among the shade.

“I don’t understand,” he ventured when asked about giving the servants a break.

“Has someone forgotten to pay your wages?”

Among other things I liked / noted about this visit to Downton:

- The continuing glimpse of possible happiness for unlucky in love Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael).

And why wouldn’t Daily Sketch editor Michael Gregson (Charles Edwards) happen to be in Scotland at the very same time as she is..?

- John Henshaw as Joss “I love to be in love” Tufton, a man with plans in store for Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol).

- The twist in Mrs Patmore’s tale.

- Simone Lahbib given the O’Brien look as kindred spirit Wilkins.

- The 8 o’clock bagpiper. Also playing all through breakfast to ensure no lie-ins.

- Mr Carson reading The Yorkshire Observer.

- Violet (Maggie Smith), remembering Sybil, telling Cora: “We all miss her every single day.”

- Robert commenting on his pregnant daughter: “I’m worried about Mary bumping through the Glen.”

- The exchange between Daisy (Sophie McShera) and Thomas (Rob James-Collier) about Mrs Patmore’s decision to buy a new dress:

Daisy: “Why not? She’s a woman, isn’t she?”

Thomas: “Only technically…”

- Julian rewarding viewers after all those prison episodes with lots of shining love between John and Anna Bates. It surely can’t bode well for the next series?

- Edith and Violet discussing Scotland:

Edith: “How tiny the Glens make one feel.”

Violet: “That is the thing about nature. There’s so much of it.”

- Alfred (Matt Milne) and Jimmy (Ed Speleers) taking a break from work in the drawing room.

- The swings and roundabouts of life at Thirsk Country Fair – Thomas later making his peace with Jimmy.

- Back in the Highlands, Matthew telling the lovestruck Mr Gregson: “You have been misled by our surroundings. We’re not in a novel by Walter Scott.”

- Lady Rose (Lily James) coming down to dinner in the latest fashion – ahead of her full-time move to Downton for the next series.

Her mother Susan telling her to change, saying: “She looks like a slut.”

Prompting Violet to remark: “Heavens, that’s not a word you often hear among the heather.”

- Molesley reeling at the Gillies’ Ball.

- Old softie Mr Carson taking Sybbie out of her cot – and later breathless and flustered after taking the phone call from the hospital where Mary has just given birth.

- And Shrimpie asking Cora to remind Rose that family can be a loving one:

“Love is like riding or speaking French. If you don’t learn it young, it’s hard to get the trick of it later.”

Update: Dan Stevens: Why I left Downton Abbey

Dec 26 Update: ITV statement: “After three successful series and two Christmas editions of Downton Abbey, Dan Stevens decided not to renew his contract beyond the initial three years he had been contracted.

We wish him every success for the future. Michelle Dockery will be returning to her role as Lady Mary in series four which begins production in February.

Over the last three years, audiences across the world have been captivated by the ups and downs of Mary and Matthew’s relationship, culminating in their wedding.

Fans have enjoyed what has become a solid and loving marriage. It is for this reason that the Producers decided Matthew and Mary could not simply be estranged or parted, resulting in his untimely and tragic death at the end of the Christmas episode.

In the next series, alongside all the usual drama, comedy and romance involving the much loved cast of characters, viewers will see Mary adjusting to her life and attempting to move on without the man she loved.”

Dec 28 Update: Julian Fellowes: “Didn’t really have an option.”

Downton Abbey ITV Site

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Rob James-Collier as Aidan.

MOVING On is back with a Scandinavian twist.

Created by Jimmy McGovern, the fourth series of BBC1′s daytime drama has the usual impressive cast lists.

This time including actors from The Killing, Borgen, Wallander and Lilyhammer.

Regular readers will know that I have a lot of time for all involved in Moving On.

Having written about it at Moving On: Plays For Our Today and Moving On 3.

Moving On is a series of stand alone dramas providing TV opportunities for writers and skilled production workers in the North West.

With some famous faces in the casts working more for love than money.

Along with Johnny Vegas and Robert Glenister making their BBC TV drama directing debuts in this new series.

Colin McKeown’s Liverpool-based LA Productions performs drama miracles on a budget that would no doubt be an insult to shoestrings.

With little sign of the financial constraints on screen.

Broadcast on BBC1 at 2:15pm on consecutive days from next Monday (Jan 28), here’s just some of the highlights from this 2013 series.

Which you can also, of course, record if at work or catch up with later via the BBC iPlayer.

Downton Abbey’s Rob James-Collier makes a return appearance, having played estranged husband Clive in a Moving On series three story called The Milkman.

This time he’s a lot more charming, going back to school as supply teacher Mr Evans. Or Aidan to his friends.

In episode two: Visiting Order, written by Colette Kane, one of two films directed by Noreen Kershaw.

Marian Saastad Ottesen as Liv.

He’s immediately smitten when he meets Scandinavian single mum-of-two Liv, played by Norwegian-born Lilyhammer actress Marian Saastad Ottesen.

Social worker Liv also likes the look of Mr Evans. But keeps a secret from him.

Her father Kris is serving a long sentence for drug trafficking.

And in another casting coup, he is played by Bjarne Henriksen, who many UK viewers will know as Theis Birk Larsen from The Killing series one, as well as Borgen.

Jason Manford as Gary.

Jason Manford may surprise some as black cab driver Gary in the fifth and final film of this series: That’s Amore.

Directed by Johnny Vegas, Jason co-stars with Wallander’s Rebekah Staton, who plays his fed up wife Lisa.

“Bone idle” beer-swilling couch potato Gary has no idea anything is wrong.

Until Lisa tells him their house is up for sale and she wants a divorce.

Telling him: “People in comas make more decision than you do, Gary.”

Forced to live apart in the same house while they wait for a buyer, Gary becomes increasingly frustrated.

Concluding: “My life’s turned into one big episode of Jeremy Kyle.”

Colin McKeown says: “Johnny spotted something in Jason and it’s paid off.

“I think Jason’s performance will surprise people, so watch this space.

“I also think Robert Glenister’s episode will take people by surprise because for a first time director its an extremely assured piece of work.

“I think both Robert and Johnny have a great future as directors.”

Paul McGann as Phil.

Former Hustle star Robert directs episode four – Blood Ties – which features Paul McGann, Jack Shepherd and Jennifer Hennessy and is written by Arthur Ellison.

Robert maintains: “Moving On is the best reason for ressurecting the single play on primetime terestrial telly.”

Gillian Kearney as Danielle with Ashley Ogden (Mia) and Joseph Wilkins (Tom).

Episode three – Friends Like These – is written by Shaun Duggan and features Gillian Kearney as busy single mum Danielle.

She earns a little extra cash by child-minding for her friend Sam, played by former Accused and Coronation Street actress Rachel Leskovac.

With Natasha Little as Sonia, a new mum at the school who has a home Danielle can only dream of.

Sonia befriends Danielle and decides to help her.

But as Sam warns Danielle: “Beward of the middle classes bearing gifts.”

Sally Carman as Sarah.

Series four begins with The Shrine, written by Karen Brown and starring Matthew Kelly, Barbara Flynn, Shameless actress Sally Carman and Rev’s Steve Evets.

As LA Productions explain: “Moving On explores contemporary issues, from divorce and public displays of grief to obsessive friendships, relationships and caring for the elderly.

“All linked by the common theme of characters who reach a turning point in life and then move on.”

Scroll down for more photos and links.

Barbara Flynn and Matthew Kelly in The Shrine.

Rachel Lescovak in Friends Like These.

Natasha Little in Friends Like These with Olivia Cosgrove (Sofia) and Alex Lee Taylor (Kai).

Jennifer Hennessy in Blood Ties.

Jack Shepherd in Blood Ties.

Director Robert Glenister.

Director Johnny Vegas.

Marian Saastad Ottesen as Liv and Charlie Concannon as Eric.

Moving On 4 begins on BBC1 at 2:15pm on Monday (Jan 28) and at the same time on the next four days.

BBC1 Moving On

LA Productions

BBC iPlayer

Moving On: Plays For Our Today

Moving On 3

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“IT’S not really a world I know much about.

“I’m a poncey little actor.”

Philip Glenister talking to me about his role in new six-part thriller The Level.

Which begins on ITV at 9pm this Friday (Sept 30).

Phil plays haulage boss Frank Le Saux in a tale with more than a few twists on the road ahead.

With Karla Crome as police detective Nancy Devlin and Laura Haddock as Frank’s daughter Hayley.

In a strong cast also featuring Lindsey Coulson as DCI Michelle Newman, Robert James-Collier and Noel Clarke as police detectives Kevin O’Dowd and Sean ‘Gunner’ Martin plus Amanda Burton as Frank’s wife Cherie.

You can read my interviews for ITV with Karla, Laura, Philip, Lindsey, Robert, Noel and Amanda at the link below.

Along with my chat with executive producers Polly Leys and Kate Norrish of BAFTA award winning Hillbilly Films & Television:

The Level Wylie ITV Interviews

ITV Hub

Hillbilly Films & Television

Ian Wylie on Twitter

Karla Crome (Nancy) and Laura Haddock (Hayley).

Philip Glenister (Frank) and Karla Crome (Nancy)

Lindsey Coulson (DCI Michelle Newman).

Noel Clarke (‘Gunner’).

Robert James-Collier (Kevin O’Dowd).