Michelle Dockery from Downton Abbey caught off guard by questions about potential third film during live interview following Imelda Staunton’s slip-up about ‘final’ movie

Michelle Dockery was left lost for words when she was told Imelda Staunton had let it slip that there will be a third and final Downton Abbey film.

The actress, 42, who appeared on Lauren Laverne’s 6 Music show, was quizzed on the speculation that there will be another installment of the period drama.

Lauren asked her what she thought of Imelda, 68, letting the ‘cat out of the bag’ that there is definitely a final movie in the works.

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Michelle seemed totally shocked by the news that Imelda had spilled the beans, but still kept coy in her response about whether it was going ahead.

Michelle, who plays Lady Mary Crawley, said ‘Did she? She did? Oh well there’s not much more I can tell ya! You’ll have to ask Julian.’

Michelle Dockery was left lost for words when she was told Imelda Staunton had let it slip that there will be a third and final Downton Abbey film (pictured February 2024)

The actress, 42, who appeared on Lauren Laverne ‘s 6 Music show, was quizzed on the speculation that there will be another installment of the period drama

It comes after Imelda sensationally confirmed there will be a third ‘final’ Downton Abbey movie, during a tell-all interview with Zoe Ball on Radio 2 on Wednesday.

The actress, plays one of Queen Mary’s ladies-in-waiting Lady Maud Bagshaw in the much-loved TV show and movie.

And spilling the tea for the listeners on the radio show, Imelda 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!’

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.

Imelda confirmed there will be a third and ‘final’ Downton Abbey movie, during a tell-all interview with Zoe Ball, 53, on Radio 2 on Wednesday

The actress plays one of Queen Mary ‘s ladies-in-waiting Lady Maud Bagshaw in the much-loved TV show and movie

Downton Abbey’s first two flicks totalled a whopping £220million at the Box Office. 

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.

However just weeks after the Mail revealed there would be a seventh series of the show after eight years away, The Sun has reported that filming is also scheduled to begin on a third film.

The same cast and behind-the-scenes team are set to make a return to set in Highclere Castle, Hampshire, where the new movie will pick up from where the second ended – in the late 1920s.

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 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.’

The sequel is said to be beginning filming in summer, set for an international release in 2025.

And spilling the tea for the listeners on the radio show, Imelda 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?’

Imelda has starred in the movie with her real-life actor husband Jim Carter (pictured) – who plays butler Carson 

Downton Abbey’s first two flicks totalled a whopping £220million at the Box Office