Downton Abbey cast: Will Maggie Smith return to Downton Abbey as Violet Crawley?

Downton Abbey is in cinemas and fans have been patiently awaiting the latest instalment of the Crawley story. Violet Crawley, or the Dowager Countess of Grantham, played by Dame Maggie Smith, has become a British institution because of her quick wit. But some fans are fearing this is her final hurrah in her period costume.

Will Maggie Smith return to Downton Abbey as Violet Crawley?

The 84-year-old has suggested she may give up the role before, joking to TV host Graham Norton: “I can’t see how it could go on. I mean, the Countess must be 110 by now.”

That was back in 2015, and it turns out things are even less likely to carry on for her now, as a source told The Mirror: “Maggie feels she has done all she can with the character and bosses are now planning for the idea of another film without Lady Violet as a main cog in the wheel.”

Sources also said series creator Lord Julian Fellowes managed to persuade her to take part in the film, adding that if the film is a hit, they may make a second film without the Dowager.

Fellowes also told the Good Morning Britain hosts that he was interested in a second story, and that there quite possibly could be a second film.

He said: “I never say never anymore – I’m too old for that.

“Because the moment you say never you immediately swallow it a month later and the fact is I don’t know.

“I think it rather depends as to how the picture is received and we will all have a think about whether we want to go there again.”

Jim Carter, who plays Carson, has confirmed he thinks it would be too “tricky” for the TV series would return.

He said: “I think it’s quite tricky to get 20 cast members together for a film which is nine or 10 weeks filming.

“But to get us all back together for say six months, which it takes to do the TV series, I think that would be tricky.

“I think the series is done. People enjoyed it but to have a one-off film as a treat is what is it – a treat.”

Who does Maggie Smith play in Downton Abbey?

In Downton Abbey, Dame Maggie plays the Dowager Countess of Grantham, AKA Violet Crawley.

She is the mother of Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham (played by Hugh Bonneville,) who runs the estate with his eldest daughter, Lady Mary Talbot (played by Michelle Dockery.)

Violet is known for her acid tongue, which has sometimes got her in some trouble when she accidentally offends her granddaughters – though Mary is rarely the object of her remarks.

It is mainly Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) Robert’s wife, who is forced to swallow her frustration with Violet, as well as Violet’s friend Isobel Grey (Penelope Wilton) who is often jibing back in their moments of friendly banter.

Downton will certainly be a quieter place without Violet, if Dame Maggie does decide the film will be her last outing as the Dowager.

Downton Abbey is in cinemas now