‘Downton’ star will be playing young Meryl Streep in ‘Mamma Mia!’ sequel

The long-rumoured sequel to Mamma Mia! begins filming soon, with a Downton Abbey star joining the returning cast.

English actress Lily James, who played Lady Rose in Downton and can currently be seen in cinemas in Baby Driver, will take the role of ‘Young Donna’, playing Meryl Streep’s character in flashbacks.

The movie will go “back and forth in time to show how relationships forged in the past resonate in the present.”

Adapted from the 1999 West End musical of the same name and based on the songs of Swedish pop group ABBA, Mamma Mia! was released in cinemas back in 2008 and made over $600 million.

Universal announced in May that a sequel will arrive on 20 July 2018, written and directed by Ol Parker (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel).

Lily James will be joined in Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! by original cast members Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried and Christine Baranski.

Also returning are Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan and Dominic Cooper.