According to Radio Times, producers attempted to save Downton from cancellation by persuading Fellowes to let another writer take over.
Downton Abbey bosses “tried to convince Julian Fellowes to hand over the reins”
Attempts were made to save the ITV period drama from cancellation by seeking to persuade Fellowes to let another writer take over, according to sources
Could Downton Abbey have been taken over by another writer?
The news that it is coming to an end after six series was officially confirmed last week following RadioTimes.com’s revelation in October that it was on the cards.
But RadioTimes.com understands that executives on the show did their best to persuade creator and writer Julian Fellowes to hand over his Downton quill to someone else in order to keep the show going long before the decision was announced.
Fellowes is due to begin work on his new NBC period drama The Gilded Age and has always said he could never write it at the same time as Downton. But it is understood that appeals to allow another writer to take over the ITV show fell on deaf ears.
“ITV wanted Julian to let someone else do it but it wasn’t something he wanted,” said a high level production source. “Downton is Julian’s.”
Speaking before the announcement was made last week, Downton star Hugh Bonneville was pretty clear that Fellowes couldn’t be replaced even if he had agreed to the alleged offer.
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