Showbiz I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice . Joanne Froggatt is set to reprise her role in Downton Abbey as production begins on the period drama's third film.
The 43-year-old actress played Anna Bates, Lady Crawley's maid, in the series from 2010 until it finished in 2015, and continued her role in the first two films. News of the third installment was unintentionally revealed by actress Imelda Staunton , who announced that there would indeed be a “third and final” film. The showrunners later confirmed the speculation, announcing that there would indeed be a 'third film in the beloved Downton Abbey franchise.
' However, despite producers' efforts to reunite the cast, some stars will be unable to return. A source told The Sun : “This will be welcome news for fans of the drama, because Anna was a particular favourite but none of the cast members were guaranteed to return. “Although the producers have tried to reunite most of the Downton stars, not all of them have been able to commit, even if they did appear in the first two films.
” It is reported that Staunton, who portrayed Lady Maud Bagshaw, will not be returning due to other work commitments, as she stars in Hello Dolly! at the Palladium theatre in London. The news comes a month after Michelle Dockery said being back for the third Downton Abbey movie is “emotional” as the production begins. The latest edition of the hit period drama will se.
