Inside look behind the scenes of new Downton Abbey movie as filming wraps

It was one of the most popular period dramas to hit TV screens around the world when it debuted in 2010, and now filming has finally wrapped on a new Downton Abbey movie, recreating the world of the Crawley family and bringing new dramas to the big screen.

While the plot of the film has been kept a closely guarded secret, some of the main stars have been sharing sneak peeks behind the scenes – helping fans to piece together a picture of what they can expect.

Set in 1926 – one year after the final episode – the movie is expected to be an emotional rollercoaster picking up where the TV series left off with almost the entire original cast returning.

Hugh Bonneville, who plays Lord Grantham, confirmed filming had wrapped this week as he shared a photo of a removal lorry and wrote: “That’s a wrap.”

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The movie will once again take place inside the walls of Highclere Castle, as Anna Bates actress Joanne Frogatt previously shared an inside photo from behind the cameras inside Lady Mary’s bedroom.

It showed a shot between takes of an actress, appearing to be Lady Edith star Laura Carmichael, having her make-up touched up while sat in full period costume with her hair in her signature short, curled do.

Joanne captioned the photo: “Little sneak peek behind the scenes of the Downton movie.”

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The Downton Abbey official Instagram page also shared the photo, writing: “Cast and crew preparing to shoot a scene in a very recognisable bedroom! Can you tell us who it belongs to? #DowntonAbbeyFilm.”

It was the first real glimpse many fans had been treated to during the filming process, with many sharing their excitement at the final confirmation that everything was underway. Announcing the news of the movie at the time, Joanne shared a photo with Michelle Dockery backstage writing: “Are you as excited as us about the Downton movie?! #itsofficial #downtonabbey.”

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Lady Mary actress Michelle also shared her own photo on set to confirm filming had begun, revealing the moment the official clapperboard was held up in front of a man that appeared to be Jim Carter’s character Carson at his home.

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Her on-screen sister Laura Carmichael joined her in celebrating the start of filming by sharing a photo of them both in full costume posing for a selfie together in a car. She captioned it: “Did someone say movie? So v.excited! #DowntonAbbey is coming to the big screen!”

It’s unclear if it’s an old image or one taken during filming this time round, but the actresses look close friends compared to the warring sisters they play on screen.

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While most of the cast were present on day one of filming, Cora actress Elizabeth McGovern had to skip it to honour her commitment to a production of God Of Carnage that she was starring in at the time. Keen to ensure she didn’t miss out however, Hugh and Allen Leech, who plays Tom Branson, visited her to watch the show and shared a selfie of them all together backstage.

Hugh captioned it: “Having skipped the first day of filming for @downtonabbey_official, @therealleech and I went to see #elizabethmcgovern in sublime production of #GodOfCarnage at the Theatre Royal, Bath. With hilarious, lacerating performances by #ralflittle #nigellindsay and #amandaabbington.”

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From there, Hugh has been keeping fans up to date with their progress over the last few months and even delighted his followers on Instagram with a rare photo during a break from filming on set, mid-way through their schedule. It showed him sat with his on-screen grandchildren Sybbie, George and Marigold – now looking more grown up than ever before, with twins playing both Marigold and George in the movie.

He captioned it: “It’s Grandpa time at Donk’s crèche… with Eva & Karina Samms who play Marigold, Fifi Hart (Sybbie) and Zac and Oliver Barker (George)… #bts #downtonabbey #grandpa.”

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And while the filming schedule was tight, the whole cast was allowed a short break recently to change into matching black t-shirts in support of the Mark Milsome Foundation, which was set up in memory of Mark Milsome himself, a famously successful cameraman who worked on the period drama alongside a string of other huge titles including Game of Thrones and James Bond. He was tragically killed while filming a stunt on location in Ghana last year.

The photo, taken from up high, shows the entire cast and crew stood looking up and smiling on set – a rare snap of them all together.

Hugh captioned it: “Mark was a cameraman much loved across the film and television industry… from ‘Downton Abbey’ to ‘‪Quantum of Solace‬’ and dozens of projects in between. Tragically he was killed while filming a stunt on location in Ghana almost a year ago.

“Mark loved films and filming and the Foundation that has been set up in his name will enable newcomers to make a start behind the camera. On the anniversary of his death next month, film crews around the world are being encouraged to buy and wear these T-shirts, the funds raised will help the next generation.

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“So if you’re in the industry, please spread the word… and even if you’re not, have a look at the website, it’s inspiring – markmilsomefoundation.com Thanks. #markmilsomefoundation #downtonabbey #cameraman #markmilsome #BeMoreMark.”

Hugh followed the moving photo just days later with his final snap on set, showing him and his on-screen wife posing together in a rare moment out of costume. This time he captioned it: “McGonneville. #downtonabbey #downtonabbeymovie #notincostume.”

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The long-awaited Downton Abbey movie, which was written by the show’s creator Julian Fellowes, was confirmed in July and filming began two months later.

Read more: Lord and Lady Grantham reunite in sweet snap on set of Downton Abbey movie

Allen previously told Vanity Fair: “It’s a big, epic story that’s definitely going to fill the big screen… That was our worry about taking the show from the small screen to the big screen. But you have Julian Fellowes, who won an Oscar for writing, and he’s done a great job with the story.”

The TV series won three Golden Globes and 15 Emmys from 69 nominations during its run, and its huge success right across the world has been credited for starting a new love of period dramas.

Are you a fan of Downton Abbey? Will you be watching the new movie?