There's a bit of news for Downton Abbey fans today, as Julian Fellowes has revealed that he might not be able to keep up with the writing commitments for the show if he's busy working on his new American project, The Gilded Age. Funny thing is, after Season 3 and THAT Christmas Special, I'm not 100 per cent sure Downton lovers would mind...

Y'see Julian, as we reported earlier this year, is working on a new project about the rise of the USA as a superpower in the 19th century, following the lavish lives of pioneers in the railway, oil, hotel and shipping trades. He told the New York Times that he wasn't sure if it would leave him much time to keep writing Downton scripts. That doesn't mean the show will end though, as Fellowes went on to explain.

"If I'm doing a series at NBC, I would not be able to write all of Downton and all of that series at the same time." he said. "I would hope that by the time all the hurdles have been cleared, the timing makes it so I can then concentrate on the new series."If Downton goes on - of course, that's not my decision - then it would be with other writers. Perhaps with me supervising, but with other writers." Doubt most Downton lovers will have a problem with that Mr Fellowes, considering you killed off two of the fandom's most beloved characters last season.

Anyway, he did say there wouldn't be much point in the series, which has been renewed for a fourth season, continuing on without him, and hinted that the end might not be far off. "My own belief is that these things have a life, and one of the tricks is to recognise when it's time to come to an end," he said. "But we haven't made a decision when that will be. Some things go on for 20 years, don't they, but I just don't see Downton being one of them." Sounds ominous, but then again I guess getting to choose between Gwyneth Paltrow and Michelle Dockery will do odd things to a man.

Don't worry though, there's still a romance packed series 4 with a new fella for Lady Mary to look forward to. I'm still hoping he hooks her up with young Branson...