Highclere’s leading man laughs off rumors of a Downton movie, but says there will be tears at the end of filming the TV series.
Actor Hugh Bonneville dismisses plans for a Downton Abbey spin-off and hits out at health and safety culture in TV drama
ITV Report |
Actor Hugh Bonneville has dismissed plans for a Downton Abbey spin-off and hit out at the health and safety culture plaguing TV drama.
The ITV period drama bows out at the end of the next series despite attracting millions of viewers around the globe.
Its executive producer Gareth Neame has suggested that there could be a Downton film while its creator Julian Fellowes has even mooted a TV spin-off, set in the 1970s.
But Bonneville, who plays the drama’s Earl of Grantham, had a sarcastic response when asked about the possibility.
“Great idea. I think we should combine those two thoughts. Let’s make a film set in the 1970s in which Lord Grantham wears flares and a kipper tie. I can see it now,” he told Radio Times magazine.
He said that filming the final scenes would be emotional.
“Series five was supposed to be the last so this one is a bonus and it feels right for the story.
“Of course it’s sad. We’re filming the final episodes now. When we finish there’ll be tears,” he said.
Bonneville said that Downton Abbey, filmed at Highclere Castle, and other dramas had been beset by health and safety culture.
“It happens on any film or TV set these days and it’s 10 times worse than it was 10 years ago,” he said.
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