Netflix UK and Ireland have made an announcement that should have fans of a certain period drama very excited. 'Downton Abbey' is coming to the streaming service, with not too long a wait, and all six seasons will be available.

'Downton Abbey' first aired in 2010 and ran for 52 episodes up to 2015.

It earned critical acclaim and won numerous accolades in its time, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Miniseries or Movie.

The cast of the series included Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Lily James, Allen Leech and Maggie Smith among others.

Julian Fellowes created the period drama.

The 'Downton Abbey' movie hit cinemas back in September 2019. (Our movies editor Brian Lloyd was not impressed...)

It made a sizable return, collecting $194.3 million at the box office against a $13–20 million budget.

Thus a sequel was given the green light, which is set to hit theatres this Christmas.

That gives you plenty of time to re-watch - or indeed watch for the first time - the 'Downton Abbey' series in full on Netflix.

It begins streaming on August 15th.