Downton Abbey nears end of final shoot
Filming on the sixth and final series of Downton Abbey is nearly over; there are only ten days left to go before the cloche hats and silver polish are packed away for good. Â
Although filming finished a little while ago at Highclere Castle, with the cast posting pictures of their farewells to the stately home, shooting doesn't officially end until 14 August at the show's base for the last five years, Ealing Studios.
Since it first aired in 2010, the show has proved a phenomenal success for Carnival Films, Masterpiece and ITV, scooping more Primetime Emmy Award nominations than any international TV series, totalling 27 after two series. Other gongs include a Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Television Film and a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries or Movie.
By the time the third series was broadcast, it had become one of the most widely watched television dramas in the world.
As the series soared in popularity, so did the international line-up of guest stars: Shirley MacLaine and Paul Giamatti played Cora's mother and brother respectively; Richard E Grant appeared as twinkly art historian Simon Bricker and of course George Clooney portrayed an American wedding guest in a special charity spin-off.
Confirmation came in late March that the sixth series would be the last, with fans mourning the demise ever since. One thing is for certain - ITV will be keen to find another similarly profitable big hitter to entice broadcasters around the world.
For more production specifics on the sixth and final series of Downton Abbey, head over to Production Intelligence.
Photo: theladydockers/Instagram
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