Downton Abbey returning for third and ‘final’ movie, Imelda Staunton says

The newspaper also reported that Oscar-nominated actor Paul Giamatti is to return to the cast for the final movie.

Giamatti appeared as Harold Levinson in the TV show’s 2013 Christmas special.

Speaking before the second film’s release in 2022, writer Julian Fellowes said Downton Abbey had “become a sort of club” for the cast.

“They say goodbye, everyone cries, and two years later we’re back at it,” he told the Radio Times.

“I think each time it’s goodbye, but whether it is or not, who knows?”

Production company Universal International Studios did not respond to a request from BBC News for a comment on Staunton’s remarks.

Meanwhile, the actress also confirmed the return of her character Aunt Lucy to Paddington.

The next film, Paddington in Peru, is due out later this year.

Staunton will also star in a revival of the musical Hello, Dolly! in London’s West End this summer.