The future of a number of Downton Abbey stars, including Dan Stevens and Harry Potter’s Maggie Smith, is said to be in doubt as they have not yet signed for any longer than three series of the hit drama. The 77-year-old actress is said to be considering her future as the elderly Dowager Countess of Downton and has not yet entered negotiations for a fourth and fifth series of the drama.
Dan Stevens – who plays Matthew Crawley – is another star who has yet to extend his contract, while it is claimed Hugh Bonneville (Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham) and Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary Crawley) have already signed up beyond their current commitments to series three.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “Downton Abbey has a history of major surprises, and the producers are not opposed to changing casting within the show to add to the drama.
“But it’s hard to imagine the series without Maggie Smith or Dan Stevens involved in some way.
“To write the Dowager Countess out of the series, or even kill off the character, would be Downton’s boldest storyline yet.”
Smith’s agent confirmed to the paper she has not begun negotiations about series four, but declined to comment further.
Shirley MacLaine is among the stars who will join the Julian Fellowes show for its third series. Matt Milne, Cara Theobald and Lucille Sharp have also joined the expanded cast list.
Series three of Downton Abbey will air at the end of 2012.
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