‘Downton’s Matthew was originally going to end up with Sybil, not Lady Mary

Downton Abbey star Allen Leech has revealed that the show’s most iconic coupling nearly never happened.

The Irish actor, who played Tom Branson in the hit period drama, has confirmed that Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley were never originally going to get together.

Downton writer Julian Fellowes’ original plan for the series would have seen Matthew going out with a different sister.

Leech told Deadline: “Matthew Crawley was supposed to end up with Sybil.”

The actor also revealed that Tom was only meant to be in three episodes!

Ultimately, the character of Tom Branson outlived both Sybil and Matthew.

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes recently admitted that he “toyed with the idea” of Lady Mary having a romantic relationship with Tom.

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