We could be paying the Crawley family another visit if Downton Abbey season 7 is announced.
The hit period drama won millions of fans all over the world during six seasons that ran between 2010 and 2015, with two spin-off movies continuing the story.
Viewers shared in the joys and sorrows of the Crawley family and their servants, in a tale that took us from 1912 to 1928 — but now there is another chapter in Julian Fellowes' sweeping saga on the way.
After months of speculation, we now know that Downton Abbey 3 is in the works after the third movie was announced in May 2024.
There's no official confirmation that Downton Abbey season 7 has been commissioned and now that the third movie is on the way a TV show is unlikely... but you never know!
Here's everything we know about a potential Downton Abbey season 7...
Downton Abbey season 7 release date
There's been no official confirmation at this stage, but if the show does return it is thought it will remain on ITV, the channel that broadcast its previous six series.
Downton Abbey season 7 plot
The final scenes of the second spin-off movie, Downton Abbey: A New Era, might give us a few clues about what could be going on...
It saw Edith resuming her work at her London-based magazine, while newlywed servants Daisy and Andy schemed to match-up Daisy's former father-in-law, Mr Mason, and Downton cook, Mrs Patmore.
Elsewhere, Molesley proposed to Miss Baxter, Tom and Lucy Branson returned to Downton with Sybbie and their new infant, while Dr Clarkson diagnosed Lady Cora with pernicious anaemia, a treatable condition.
Lady Mary played a prominent part in the movie, yet her husband Henry Talbot (Matthew Goode), didn't feature and his prolonged absence due to a car rally put serious strain on their marriage. Will they be back together in the new series or will Mary be looking for a new man?
Downton Abbey season 7 cast
If there was to be a new series it's thought stars such as Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern and Joanne Froggatt could return.
Unfortunately, Maggie Smith, who played the iconic Dowager Countess, won't be back, after her character passed away at the end of the second spin-off movie, Downton Abbey: A New Era.
That film also saw Thomas Barrow setting off to Los Angeles with his companion Guy Dexter (played by The Crown star Dominic West), while Lady Mary's husband Henry Talbot (Matthew Goode) did not feature either.
Here are some of the cast who could return...
- Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, 7th Earl of Grantham
- Laura Carmichael as Edith Pelham, Marchioness of Hexham
- Raquel Cassidy as Phyllis Baxter
- Brendan Coyle as John Bates
- Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Talbot
- Kevin Doyle as Joseph Molesley
- Michael Fox as Andy Parker
- Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates
- Harry Hadden-Paton as Herbert "Bertie" Pelham, Marquess of Hexham
- Allen Leech as Tom Branson
- Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham
- Sophie McShera as Daisy Parker
- Tuppence Middleton as Lucy Branson
- Lesley Nicol as Beryl Patmore
Where will Downton Abbey season 7 air in the US?
The first six seasons were broadcast on PBS in the United States. Whether that broadcaster will retain the rights for a new series remains to be seen and some of the streaming world’s biggest hitters will be keen to acquire the rights if there’s an opportunity. When we hear more, we’ll be sure to let you know.
Will there be another Downton Abbey Christmas Special?
There’s no news on whether there will be another festive special, but with previous Christmas episodes performing so well, it’s a distinct possibility.
Downton Abbey season 7 trailer
There's no trailer available for this one, but we'll be sure to keep you updated if it arrives.
