Heartbreaking Downton Abbey information as star says ‘it is not the identical’ | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV | EUROtoday

This September marks the cinematic launch of Downton Abbey 3, the primary instalment of the franchise within the interval drama with out the late Dame Maggie Smith. The legendary actress died in September 2024 on the age of 89. Now, present star Paul Giamatti has shared an replace and admitted the filming of the third Downton Abbey film will not be the identical with out one of many present’s most beloved characters.

The actor, 57, made the candid admission in a brand new interview the place he opened up about reprising his position as Harold Levinson. The on-screen star is about to look briefly within the upcoming film having final appeared within the collection again in 2013 for the Christmas particular. Reflecting on his time filming he revealed that Dame Maggie’s presence may nonetheless be felt.

The actor revealed that the transient expertise working with the legendary actress has been one of many highlights of his profession up to now.

He informed PEOPLE: “It was not the same without her, but it felt very much like in her honor in some way.

“She definitely nonetheless feels current by the entire thing.”

Dame Maggie sadly died in September of last year as tributes poured in for the beloved actress whose career spanned over six decades having starred in a variety of movie and TV roles from Harry Potter, Sister Act and The Secret Garden just to name a few.

The actress won further praise for her portrayal of Downton Abbey’s matriach, Violet Crawley, between 2010 and 2015.

While Paul refused to give away any spoilers, he was admittedly surprised the film producers asked him to return.

He said: “The fascinating factor for me was that they even requested me in any respect as a result of I used to be like, ‘I haven’t got an necessary character on this story.’

“But what’s funny is my character has a very significant role. He does something very significant in the movie.

“I used to be like, ‘It’s actually humorous they introduced me again to do that essential, important factor.'”

Several fan favourites are returning for the movie together with Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Michelle Dockery.

Plot particulars concerning the new movie are at present below wraps nevertheless it has been speculated that it’ll comply with on from the occasions of the second movie, A New Era (2022).

It additionally promised to pay tribute to Dame Maggie herself, after her character Lady Violet handed away in A New Era.

Downton Abbey 3 hits UK cinemas on September 12, 2025.