Some of the cast and crew on Downton Abbey believe Maggie Smith has filmed her last ever scenes as Lady Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham.

Writer Julian Fellowes managed to persuade her to take part in the film, released today, but if there is a second film or more TV episodes they are now planning storylines without Lady Violet.

A source said: “Maggie feels she has done all she can with the character and bosses are now planning for the idea of another film without Lady Violet as a main cog in the wheel.”

Dame Maggie, 84, has suggested previously she is close to giving up the role.
Downton Abbey is released in UK cinemas tomorrow
Writer Julian Fellowes managed to persuade her to take part in the film, released today, but if there is a second film or more TV episodes they are now planning storylines without Lady Violet (
Image:
REX)

In 2015 she said: “I can’t see how it could go on. I mean, the Countess must be 110 by now.”

Despite her reluctance to continue, sources say if the new film is a hit with the Box Office, a second movie will be made and the rest of the cast are thought to be keen to continue.

Downton Abbey is released in UK cinemas tomorrow.