While most of you were watching Love/Hate last night there was a bit of news for Downton Abbey fans as the ITV period drama was officially renewed for a fifth series by ITV.
Now we say a bit of news because fans of the show might take that one of two ways: They'll love it, or they'll hate it. Y'see while Downton is still pulling in the punters, a fair few fans have been disillusioned with the show of late, so a renewal ain't exactly the jump-for-joy scenario it once was.
Nevertheless, the show will go on, with Julian Fellowes returning once again as head writer, along with executive producers Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge. "Audiences have enjoyed their regular Sunday evening visits back to Downton once again this autumn and we are thrilled to produce a new series of the show next year" Neame said in a statement.
"We promise all the usual highs and lows, romance, drama and comedy played out by some of the most iconic characters on television. All the actors and makers of the show continue to be humbled by the extraordinary audience response and want to take the show from strength to strength next year."
And of course, ITV is more than happy to welcome it's hugely successful (and rather lucrative) drama back to TV screens. "We are enormously happy to have Downton Abbey on ITV and we are delighted to be announcing this new series. With Julian writing and Gareth and Liz producing we know it will be as warm, witty, romantic and dramatic as previous series and we can't wait to catch up with our favourite characters again," Director of Drama Commissioning Steve November said.
As long as there's more Dame Maggie we'll be delighted. Violet really was on a roll this season, don'cha think?
