News

A star-studded line-up will feature in a one-off Downton Abbey comedy sketch forText Santa.

Entertainment legend Bruce Forsyth is the first celebrity guest to be announced for the special show which will air on December 18th on ITV.

In the scene, the cast are auditioning for a Downton Father Christmas and Bruce is keen to play the part.

Will Lord Grantham give him the job? You'll have to watch and see.

You'll need your stiff upper lip as we reveal what to expect from the final series of Downton Abbey. One thing's for sure - it's going to be emotional.

Enjoy a taste of what is to come and watch to the end to find out when the first episode will air.

Test your Downton knowledge with some very taxing quizzes
See more from the new series

Can't wait for Downton Abbey to return to your screens? Then we have a real treat for you. Take a peek at a brand new scene from series six featuring our favourite frenemies going head-to-head.

Battle lines are drawn as The Dowager and cousin Isobel prepare to fight it out over the future of the hospital - who will come out on top? See what you think...

See the first pictures from the final series

Sunday nights are about to get a whole lot more decadent as the new series of Downton Abbey fast approaches.

If you can't wait to find out what happens then take a look at the latest pictures and see if you can uncover any clues.

After five series of drama for the Crawleys, season six will see us bidding a fond farewell to the family and those who serve them in the final ever episodes of Downton Abbey.

Speaking about the show coming to a close, writer, creator and Executive Producer Julian Fellowes admitted: "People ask if we knew what was going to happen when we started to make the first series and the answer is that, of course we had no idea."

But key storylines like Mary losing her beloved Matthew, Carson proposing to Mrs Hughes and Edith finally finding love (and tragically having it taken from her) have kept us all glued to our television screens over the last five years. It is these storylines and the quality of the production that have contributed to Downton Abbey becoming one of the most popular UK dramas of the decade and helped the show scoop a huge number of awards around the world.

Downton Abbey will come to a close on Christmas Day 2015 on ITV - which will certainly be one to remember - but until then you can relive the highs, the lows and the most magical moments of the many seasons right here.

Thank you for watching, laughing and crying with us.

Watch the cast reveal their favourite quotes from the Dowager
How posh are the cast of Downton Abbey?
How well do you know Carson? Take the quiz

Join us in a toast to the cast and crew of Downton Abbey as they scoop the award for Best Drama at The National Television Awards 2015.

Phyllis Logan (Mrs Hughes) paid homage to the other sterling shows nominated, including Dr Who and Sherlock. “How amazing to be in that fantastic category, all absolutely wonderful dramas... I love them all."

Creator Julian Fellows added “To receive this award after the fifth series is the greatest compliment we could imagine. And although a little surprised because of the quality of the other shows, nevertheless we are all incredibly grateful. “

Thanks to everyone who voted. We look forward to seeing you again at Downton Abbey later in the year.

Watch - just how posh are the cast?

"In Essex? Isn't it terribly damp?" The best Dowager quotes

Hollywood star George Clooney will make a guest appearance with Downton Abbey for ITV's Text Santa.

The specially-written sketch has already been filmed and will appear in December along with many other exciting surprises in Text Santa, ITV's annual charity appeal.

Stay tuned for more details about the three hour entertainment extravaganza - coming soon!

Find out more about Text Santa.

Waiting is never easy, especially when we have to wait for the brand new series of Downton Abbey. To ease the passing of time, we have 10 reasons why one should be rather excited about series five. Look out for a few teasers from the first episode.