‘Downton Abbey’: Maggie Smith to get ‘grittier plot’ in series 5
By Sam Rigby
Downton Abbey
‘s executive producer Gareth Neame has teased that fans of the show can look forward to a grittier plot for Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess.
He explained that Smith’s role in the upcoming fifth series will be “bigger than normal”, and suggested that she will do more than provide comic relief.
Speaking to TVLine, Neame said: “She has a brilliant story line this season. It’s Downton at its best, this story line. It’s fantastic.”
He also said that fans of the show can expect to see more of a focus on Mrs Hughes and Carson in the new episodes, after they were seen holding hands in the most recent Christmas special.
“I saw them as sort of a husband and wife very early on. Downton is about romantic love and companionship, and in that sense, they are one of the Downton relationships, even if they’re not married.”
The show’s creator, Julian Fellowes, recently admitted that the cast have been warned to watch what they eat so they don’t put on weight – read more here.
Meanwhile, The Royle Family and Coronation Street actress Sue Johnston will star in the new series as the Dowager’s maid – read more casting news here.
Downton Abbey is expected to return to ITV in September.