Miraculously we didn’t lose any characters during Downton Abbey series 4, but the death-free storyline could change when series 5 arrives next year.

The actress who plays motherly figure Cora Crawley says in a new interview with the Express that she’s not sure about continuing with Downton Abbey beyond series 5.

“I know there is going to be another series but don’t know whether I would be up for a season after that,” McGovern said coyly.

The leading lady plays the American wife of Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville). If she ultimately decides to not return after series 5, she could make her exit via an unfortunate death. A divorce from her husband seems all too unlikely considering they have had a nice relationship over the years. We suppose Robert could cheat on Cora (again), and that could send her off.

Of course, if McGovern is offered enough money she could return for many more series. Only time will tell.

Downton Abbey has a large cast, so actor departures have been occurring all too often. Other stars who’ve left include Siobhan Finneran (who played O’Brien), Jessica Brown Findlay (Lady Sybil), and Dan Stevens (Matthew Crawley). The latter two characters died on the show, while O’Brien was written out at the very beginning of series 4 without a physical appearance by the character.

Series 4’s Christmas Special will air in the U.K. on December 25 and will be the official end to the batch of 2013 episodes.

Meanwhile, Downton Abbey premieres in the United States January 5 on PBS.

Thanks, The Mirror.