Downton Abbey film: Cast reveal what Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes REALLY do in bed

They shocked audiences nationwide with a racy bit of hand-holding at the beach. Then the outrageous pair fumbled towards an engagement that had fans on tenterhooks. Finally, the butler and housekeeper tied the knot to great rejoicing and relief. But what happened next? We can’t resist asking their real-life alter-egos Jim Carter and Phyllis Logan when we meet up to talk all things Downton.

They are the king and queen of Downstairs, but what do they get up to behind closed doors?

After all, that’s a pretty big grin on serious old Mr Carson’s face…

Phyllis is much more glamorous and playful in real life and burst out laughing before summoning a little of Mrs Hughes’ reserve to gently reprimand me: “I think that’s for them to know,. it’s probably best to draw a veil over it.” 

Jim, though, has lots more to say…

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Jim pauses, like a true pro. Fixes me with a firm stare and rumbles: “I like to think they spoon.”

There is possibly only one thing even more on everyone’s mind that the bedtime antics of Carson and Mrs Hughes…

Will the Dowager Countess Violet, played by the marvellous Maggie Smith, die in the sequel? Who better to ask than the man who created it all and will be writing that sequel?

The recent movie ended with an emotional scene where Violet tells beloved granddaughter Mary that she has a terminal illness.

Will Lord Julian Fellowes kill her off before the next movie?

He laughs in delight at my impertinence and says: “She’s not very well, but she’s not dead. There’s no indication she’s dying imminently. We just have to wait and see what happens. Of course, we also have to see whether Maggie wishes to survive her present situation or not.”

I gently point out that Maggie Smith has often been rather ambivalent when speaking about the show.