Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery
A fifth series has been confirmed for 'Downton Abbey'.
The hit ITV period drama will return for another run next year following the success of its fourth series.
'Downton' producer Gareth Neame said: "Audiences have enjoyed their regular Sunday evening visits back to 'Downton once again this autumn and we are thrilled to produce a new series of the show next year.
"We promise all the usual highs and lows, romance, drama and comedy played out by some of the most iconic characters on television. All the actors and makers of the show continue to be humbled by the extraordinary audience response and want to take the show from strength to strength next year."
ITV's director of drama commissioning, Steve November, added: "We are enormously happy to have 'Downton Abbey' on ITV and we are delighted to be announcing this new series. With Julian [Fellowes] writing and Gareth and Liz [Trubridge] producing we know it will be as warm, witty, romantic and dramatic as previous series and we can't wait to catch up with our favourite characters again."
Before the new series, fans can enjoy a festive two-hour episode of 'Downton Abbey' at Christmas.
The episode will see the return of Shirley MacLaine as Cora Crawley's mother, and the introduction of Paul Giamatti as her brother, Harold.
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