‘Downton Abbey’ star’s husband is directing the sequel!

The director of Downton Abbey 2 has been confirmed.

It was announced last week that filming is underway on the much-anticipated sequel to 2019’s Downton film.

Based on ITV’s hit period drama series, the first Downton Abbey movie was a massive hit in the UK and around the world.

It had looked like the follow-up wouldn’t arrive until 2022, with delays expected due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, in very welcome news, a release date has been set for later this year!

It’s now been revealed that British filmmaker Simon Curtis is directing the movie.

The 61-year-old London-born director has a very special connection to Downton Abbey – he’s been married to Lady Cora star Elizabeth McGovern for nearly thirty years!

Curtis previously directed his wife in 2015’s Woman in Gold, which also starred Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds.

His other period drama credits include Winnie the Pooh drama Goodbye Christopher Robin, and Marilyn Monroe biopic My Week with Marilyn.

Simon Curtis has also directed multiple episodes of Cranford, in which Mr Carson actor Jim Carter appeared.

He’s worked with Downton movie stars Maggie Smith and Imelda Staunton before too.

Smith and Staunton both featured in the Curtis’s 1999 adaptation of David Copperfield for the BBC, which also introduced the world to Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe in his first screen role!

Downton Abbey 2 will premiere in cinemas in December.

Executive producer Gareth Neame previously commented: “After a very challenging year with so many of us separated from family and friends, it is a huge comfort to think that better times are ahead and that next Christmas we will be reunited with the much beloved characters of Downton Abbey.”

Lady Rose actress Lily James is back on our screens next weekend in the BBC’s new adaptation of The Pursuit of Love.

Downton Abbey: The Complete Collection box set is available on DVD on Amazon.