Downton Abbey movie: which character ISN'T in the movie?

The Crawley family is returning to the screens, much to the delight of hardcore Downton Abbey fans who were devastated when the TV show ended.

Focus Features has set production with Carnival Films to begin this summer for a return to Highclere Castle.

The original principal cast, which includes Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville and more, are set to reprise their roles.

Which character isn’t returning to the Downton Abbey movie?

The brief but well-loved Lady Rose, played by Lily James, will not be returning to Downton Abbey.

James, who is currently promoting Mamma Mia 2, told People: “I’m sadly not in it, but I’m so excited for it – I’m going to be front row.

“My character Rose moved off to New York, so it would be farfetched to bring her back.

“I would have loved to have come back for a scene, but for a movie, it can’t be like a Christmas special and it needs to be a focused storyline. There was no space for Rose.”

Fans will be disappointed the rebellious Rose won’t be returning but hopefully, the rest of the cast reappearing will alleviate their heartbreak.

The official Downton Abbey Facebook announced the news of a movie reboot with a post which read: “Welcome back to Downton!

“We’re thrilled to announce that Downton Abbey is coming to the big screen.”

Downton Abbey followed the Crawley family drama and the servants who worked for them for six seasons.

The drama aired in the UK on ITV, and in the US on PBS’ Masterpiece, garnering a massive worldwide following while also making period drama cool again.

The actress who played maid Anna Bates, Joanne Froggatt, posted a photo on Instagram of herself with co-star Michelle Dockery.

She wrote: “Are you as excited as us about the Downton movie?! #itsofficial#downtonabbey,”

Michelle, who plays Lady Mary Crawley, added: “The secret’s out… Thrilled to announce that #DowntonAbbey is coming to the big screen. Filming to commence this summer.”

Actor Michael Fox, who played footman Andrew Parker, also said: “This is all terribly exciting! #downtonabbey on the big screen… I should probably shave.”

As of yet, there is no release date for the Downton Abbey movie but production is set to begin this summer.