That big ‘Downton Abbey’ announcement has arrived – and it’s not what we expected

Following last week’s Downton Abbey tease about “a special announcement,” we now know what it is.

The hit period drama’s official Facebook account previously posted: “Big news is on its way! Check back soon for a special announcement.”

Fans excitedly presumed that the news would relate to the long-awaited Downton Abbey movie project, or perhaps even a TV revival or spin-off series.

However, it’s now been revealed it’s just the news that a touring Downton Abbey exhibition is heading to the US later this year.

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition will open in New York on November 18, where it will run until at least the end of January, with ticket prices starting at $15.

The official promotional material reads: “Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, based on the beloved television show, transports you to post-Edwardian England, where the characters and the iconic house come to life. You’ll be immersed in the fascinating social history, culture, and some of the most memorable moments from the show’s six-season run.”

Watch a preview of the exhibition:

Downton star Sophie McShera, who played Daisy, commented: “Everything’s the same dimensions, it’s all the same, it’s making me all nostalgic. I really feel like if you watch the show, to come to these sets is exciting, because it’s exactly the same as what you’ve seen on TV.”

A Downton Abbey movie was officially greenlit earlier this year, but details of when filming will commence and which cast members will return is still uncertain.

Downton Abbey: The Complete Collection is available to buy now.

Hugh Bonneville recently described trying to get the Downton cast back together to make the movie as “like herding cats.”