‘Downton Abbey’ star reveals how big the time jump will be in the movie

While plot details on the new Downton Abbey movie are scarce, Allen Leech has let slip some news.

The Irish actor is returning as Tom Branson, the character he played all six seasons of ITV’s hit period drama.

Scripted by Downton creator Julian Fellowes, the movie began filming in England last month, with all the main cast reprising their roles.

Chatting on TV’s Sunday Brunch at the weekend, Allen Leech revealed that the movie’s story won’t be picking up exactly where the final episode of the TV series ended in 2015.

He commented: “It picks up not too long after the series ended. So, time-wise, I think we’re eight or nine months after.”

Leech joked: “The only problem is all the actors are now three years older – it was a pretty heavy eight months!”

Fans will have to wait and see if Tom Branson and Lady Mary finally get together, but it’s unlikely according to writer Julian Fellowes.

Joining the TV show’s regular characters in the movie will be a number of famous faces, Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter), Geraldine James (Anne with an E), Tuppence Middleton (The Imitation Game), Kate Phillips (Peaky Blinders), Stephen Campbell Moore (The History Boys) and David Haig (Killing Eve).

Downton Abbey: The Complete Collection is available to buy on Amazon here.

The Downton Abbey movie will be released in UK cinemas on Friday 13th September 2019 and in the USA on Friday 20th September 2019.