Imelda Staunton will reportedly ‘be missing’ from the upcoming Downton Abbey film as the period drama undergoes a cast shake-up.
The actress, 68, plays one of Queen Mary’s ladies-in-waiting Lady Maud Bagshaw in the much-loved TV show and movie.
But according to a new report, the star won’t feature in the third and final instalment due to other commitments, as she stars in Hello Dolly! at the Palladium theatre in London.
The upcoming sequel is said to be beginning filming in summer, set for an international release in 2025.
A source told The Sun: ‘This will no doubt be sad news for Downton fans, in particular those who were endeared by the character of Lady Maud.’
They added: ‘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.’
MailOnline has contacted Imelda’s representative for comment.
Imelda confirmed there will be a third and ‘final’ Downton Abbey movie, during a tell-all interview with Zoe Ball on Radio 2 last month.
Spilling the tea for the listeners on the radio show, the actress didn’t hold back to reveal the exclusive news.
Zoe, 53, said: ‘Lots of people are asking me because obviously Jim [Carter] is your chap. Do you know about Downton, and the rumours? There’s more coming. Have we… yes? There is? What do you know? What can you say?’
Without hesitation, Imelda said: ‘Right. There will be… the final… film. There you go.’
Zoe gasped: ‘Wow! That’s it, that’s all she’s got but that’s pretty huge Imelda! Fantastic – I hope we haven’t got you in any trouble at all.’
Imelda grinned: ‘I don’t care!’
Zoe added: ‘You don’t care anyway. You’re wild like that and I love it! You get to that point in life and you’re like “I don’t care anyway”.’
Imelda has starred in the movie with her real-life actor husband Jim Carter – who plays butler Carson.
Downton Abbey’s first two flicks totalled a whopping £220million at the Box Office.
The first film, in 2019, starred Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern as the Earl and Countess of Grantham.
Along with Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess, they both returned in the 2022 sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era, which saw the action divided between the stately home and the South of France.
The ITV drama series itself debuted in 2010 and ran until 2015, with the first of the two films being released in 2019.
However just weeks after the Mail revealed there would be a seventh series of the show after eight years away, The Sun has reported that filming is also scheduled to begin on a third film.
The same cast and behind-the-scenes team are set to make a return to set in Highclere Castle, Hampshire, where the new movie will pick up from where the second ended – in the late 1920s.
The film, made by Carnival Films, should see the whole cast return, which is something that had supposedly been a logistical challenge.
‘There has been endless speculation about whether there would be a third movie and when it would be released, but finally devotees have had their prayers answered,’ and insider told the publication.
‘The first two films proved such a success that a third one seemed inevitable, but the biggest problem was the logistics of bringing the cast back together as their diaries are all so packed.’
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
