Downton Abbey fan-favourite ‘missing’ from final film as cast face major shake-up | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

Last month, actress Imelda Staunton revealed fans of Downton Abbey can expect to see the Crawley family back in action once again. Speaking to Zoe Ball on her BBC Radio 2 show, the actress seemed to confirm another movie was in the making.

She teased: “There will be the final film – there you go.” However, it looks as though the 68-year-old may not be making an appearance herself.

Imelda, who played Lady Maud Bagshaw in the first two movies, won’t be reprising her role in the highly anticipated movie. According to The Sun, the actress will be appearing in the stage production of Hello Dolly! When filming for Downton Abbey’s third film begins.

Touching on her suspected absence, a TV insider highlighted how devastated fans will be. They said: “This will no doubt be sad news for Downton fans, in particular those who were endeared by the character of Lady Maud.

“But, they will draw some comfort from the fact that two of the best-loved central characters will be returning for this third outing. It still remains to be seen if the producers and writer Julian Fellowes will be able to reunite the entire cast.”

Express.co.uk has contacted Imelda Staunton’s representatives for comment.

Although the actress may be missing from the line-up, it’s believed her husband Jim Carter is expected to return to his role of Charles Carson.

With filming anticipated to commence this summer at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, it’s most likely a release date will be in 2025.

According to reports, the third instalment will pick up where the last film left off in the 1920s.

In Downtown Abbey: A New Era, which was released in 2022, fans saw the Crawley family head to the South of France.

Whilst there, they were on a mission to try and uncover the mystery of the dowager countess’s newly inherited villa.

Since then, fans have been eager to see the family and other favourites from the Downtown world back on the big screen.

Last year, actress Sophie McShera, who played Daisy Mason in Downton, addressed the speculation about a potential return for another series, as the last time it was on ITV was back in 2015.

Speaking to Alex Jones on The One Show, she said: “I mean, I’m ready but I’ve not heard a thing apart from everyone asking me. So I’ve got no idea.”

As the host of the BBC show questioned if she’d ever reprise her role in the series, the actress seemed eager.

Sophie replied: “I love Downton and I love working with everyone, it’s amazing.”

Downton Abbey is available to watch on ITVX.