Dame Maggie Smith has never watched 'Downton Abbey.'

Dame Maggie Smith in 'Downton Abbey'

Dame Maggie Smith in 'Downton Abbey'

The 80-year-old actress may play leading lady Violet Crawley in the ITV period drama but she has admitted she hasn't seen a single episode since it first went to air in 2010 and is glad the programme is finally coming to an end.

Asked if she's watched the show, she shook her head and said while appearing on 'The Graham Norton Show' last night (30.10.15)?: "No but I've got the box set."

She added: "I'm glad it's over, I really am. By the time we finished she [Violet Crawley] must have been about 110. It couldn't go on and on, it just didn't make sense."

However, despite her extensive career in film, television and theatre, Dame Maggie has admitted her role in the hit show has gained her the most recognition over the years.

She explained: "It's only since 'Downton' that people seem to recognise me. That's television for you. I was in Waitrose the other day and a little boy was at the checkout with his mother and he kept looking at me.

"When I asked him, 'Can I help you?' he said, 'No, it's alright, it'll come to me in a minute.' It was so lovely."

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