Joanne Froggatt is set to return to Downton Abbey as production gets underway for the period drama’s third film.
The actress, 43, starred as Anna Bates, the maid of Lady Crawley, in the series from 2010 until the finale in 2015 and the first two films.
The third instalment was first let slip early by actress Imelda Staunton, who unashamedly announced that there would definitely be a ‘third and final’ film.
It was later confirmed by the show runners, who announced that there would be a ‘third film in the beloved Downton Abbey franchise’.
However, while producers have ‘tried to reunite the cast’ some stars will be unable to return.
Joanne Froggatt, 43, is set to return to Downton Abbey as production gets underway for the period drama’s third film (pictured in October)
The actress starred as Anna Bates, the maid of Lady Crawley, in the series from 2010 until the finale in 2015 and the first two films (pictured with Brendan Coyle as Mr Bates in series two)
A TV insider told The Sun: ‘This will be welcome news for fans of the drama, because Anna was a particular favourite but none of the cast members were guaranteed to return.
‘Although the producers have tried to reunite most of the Downton stars, not all of them have been able to commit, even if they did appear in the first two films.’
In February, The Mail revealed the period drama would be making a surprise comeback for a seventh series.
Bosses hoped to be able to bring back some of the big name actors such as Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern and Joanne who appeared in the previous six seasons and two movie spin-offs.
The return of the show, which was filmed at Highclere Castle in Hampshire and which covered the many societal changes and world events between 1912 and 1928, is expected to be on screen at the end of the year.
And just weeks after the Mail revealed there would be a seventh series of the show after eight years away, The Sun also reported that filming was scheduled to begin on the third film.
The film, made by Carnival Films, should see the whole cast return, which is something that had supposedly been a logistical challenge.
‘There has been endless speculation about whether there would be a third movie and when it would be released, but finally devotees have had their prayers answered,’ and insider told the publication.
The third instalment was first let slip early by actress Imelda Staunton and later confirmed by producers (pictured in December)
The actress plays one of Queen Mary ‘s ladies-in-waiting Lady Maud Bagshaw in the much-loved TV show and movie – however is will not be returning for the third instalment
‘The first two films proved such a success that a third one seemed inevitable, but the biggest problem was the logistics of bringing the cast back together as their diaries are all so packed.’
However, Imelda Staunton will reportedly ‘be missing’ from the upcoming Downton Abbey film as the period drama undergoes a cast shake-up.
The actress, 68, plays one of Queen Mary’s ladies-in-waiting Lady Maud Bagshaw in the much-loved TV show and movie.
But according to a new report, the star won’t feature in the third and final instalment due to other commitments, as she stars in Hello Dolly! at the Palladium theatre in London.
The upcoming sequel is said to be beginning filming in summer, set for an international release in 2025.
A source told The Sun: ‘This will no doubt be sad news for Downton fans, in particular those who were endeared by the character of Lady Maud.’
They added: ‘But they will draw some comfort from the fact that two of the best-loved central characters will be returning for this third outing.
‘It still remains to be seen if the producers and writer Julian Fellowes will be able to reunite the entire cast.’
MailOnline has contacted Imelda’s representative for comment.
Imelda confirmed there will be a third and ‘final’ Downton Abbey movie, during a tell-all interview with Zoe Ball on Radio 2i n March.
Spilling the tea for the listeners on the radio show, the actress didn’t hold back to reveal the exclusive news.
Zoe, 53, said: ‘Lots of people are asking me because obviously Jim [Carter] is your chap. Do you know about Downton, and the rumours? There’s more coming. Have we… yes? There is? What do you know? What can you say?’
Without hesitation, Imelda said: ‘Right. There will be… the final… film. There you go.’
Zoe gasped: ‘Wow! That’s it, that’s all she’s got but that’s pretty huge Imelda! Fantastic – I hope we haven’t got you in any trouble at all.’
Imelda grinned: ‘I don’t care!’
Imelda confirmed there will be a third and ‘final’ Downton Abbey movie, during a tell-all interview with Zoe Ball on Radio 2 in March
Downton Abbey’s first two flicks totalled a whopping £220million at the Box Office
The ITV drama series debuted in 2010 and ran until 2015, with the first of the two films being released in 2019 (pictured)
Zoe added: ‘You don’t care anyway. You’re wild like that and I love it! You get to that point in life and you’re like “I don’t care anyway”.’
Imelda has starred in the movie with her real-life actor husband Jim Carter – who plays butler Carson.
The first film, in 2019, starred Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern as the Earl and Countess of Grantham.
Along with Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess, they both returned in the 2022 sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era, which saw the action divided between the stately home and the South of France.
The ITV drama series itself debuted in 2010 and ran until 2015, with the first of the two films being released in 2019.
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