Downton Abbey Renewed For Sixth Series!

Work will begin on the new season in early 2015

Published 6th Nov 2014

Just days before the eagerly-awaited fifth season finale, it’s been confirmed that Downton Abbey has been renewed for a sixth series.

ITV and Carnival Films have announced that production will begin early in 2015 on the next instalment of the hit period drama.

The current season, which ends on Sunday night (9th November), has been watched by an average of 10.4million people – figures that trump ITV’s other institution The X Factor.

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Carnival’s Managing Director, Gareth Neame said: “We have had an amazing reaction to the story lines, acting and production values of Downton Abbey this year and the whole team is thrilled to be moving ahead with a new season of the show.

“This will provide audiences with a fresh opportunity to see what will befall our much loved characters.”

ITV’s Director of Drama Commissioning, Steve November added: "It is fantastic that Downton continues to be such a phenomenon - still the most popular drama on ITV in its fifth series - and we are thrilled to have commissioned a sixth series.

“We don't know yet what Julian has planned, but we are looking forward to working with him, the fantastic cast and Carnival again and have no doubt series six will be unmissable."

George Clooney guest stars in the charity Christmas special of Downton Abbey, which airs next month.