Season six will be the final series of Downton Abbey (Picture: ITV)
Season six will be the final series of Downton Abbey (Picture: ITV)

First Zayn Malik quits One Direction and now, in somewhat sadder news, it’s been confirmed that Downton Abbey will end after season six.

Carnival Films, the producer of Downton Abbey and ITV, today announced the end of an era for the hit period drama.

And now the world is in tears.

Set to air later this year, the sixth series of Julian Fellowes’ world-popular show will see us wave goodbye to Lady Mary, the Dowager Countess and co.

Downton creator Fellowes said in a statement: ‘The Downton journey has been amazing for everyone aboard. People ask if we knew what was going to happen when we started to make the first series and the answer is that, of course we had no idea.

Dame Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey
Downton will bow off our TV screens after the sixth series (Picture: ITV)

‘Exactly why the series had such an impact and reached so many people around the world, all nationalities, all ages, all types, I cannot begin to explain. But I do know how grateful we are to have been allowed this unique experience.

‘I suspect the show will always be a principal marker in most of our careers as we set out from here, and if so, I consider that a blessing and a compliment.”

And exec producer of Downton Abbey Gareth Neame said: ‘Millions of people around the world have followed the journey of the Crawley family and those who serve them for the last five years. Inevitably there comes a time when all shows should end and Downton is no exception.

‘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…’

Earlier this year a Downton Christmas special was confirmed by star of the show Hugh Bonneville.

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