'Downton Abbey' news: Showrunner Gareth Neame is hopeful for a movie version

(pbs.org)

The third month of 2015 ended in a bittersweet way at least for "Downton Abbey" fans, as it was announced that while the period series would be returning for another season, season six would be its last. Gareth Neame, the show's executive producer, was quick to reassure fans of the show that while it is sad to see the Crawley family leave primetime, it is indeed the best decision for the series.

He further promised that followers of "Downton Abbey" would not be disappointed with where the finale will take the well-loved characters.

He said, "We wanted to close the doors of 'Downton Abbey' when it felt right and natural for the storylines to come together and when the show was still being enjoyed so much by its fans. We can promise a final season full of all the usual drama and intrigue, but with the added excitement of discovering how and where they all end up..."

The cast and crew of the show have also gushed about what they would miss most about their characters and the show as a whole. Early in August, the cast spilled their sentiments about the season during the Television Critics Association summer tour. In the panel, Elizabeth McGovern, the actress who plays Cora Crowley, revealed that the quietness of the show's period is what she would miss most.

"I will miss the peace of it. I miss this world where everybody knew their place and life seemed so quiet by comparison," explained the 54-year-old actress.

While the end of season six would be the end of the Crawleys on the small screen, it seems like there is a chance that the aristocratic family would make a silverscreen debut in the future. In the same Television Critics Association event, Neame explained that while there are no plans for a "Downton Abbey" film just yet, he is more than happy to be involved in the project.

"There's rumor and speculation I'm not denying anything; I think a 'Downton' movie could be a wonderful thing. But we don't have a script or plan yet," he shared.

"Downton Abbey" season six is scheduled to premiere on Jan. 3, 2016.

Copyright © 2015 Ecumenical News