First look: Michelle Dockery transforms on film set of ‘Downton Abbey’ sequel

The sequel to 2019’s Downton Abbey movie is officially in the works! Photos from the film set have been leaked online, and it’s safe to say that lovers of the period drama are over the moon!

The first few snaps, shared by fans on Twitter, show actress Michelle Dockery transform into her beloved character Lady Mary Crawley. She’s pictured wearing a dark-purple midi skirt, a patterned top and a co-ordinating light-purple coat, finished off with a bright blue hat and leather gloves.

Michelle was joined on set by her new co-star Hugh Dancy, who looked dapper in a pair of grey pinstripe trousers, a cream-coloured jumper and a matching tailored coat. It’s not clear what Hugh’s new role will be, but he’s the latest addition to the all-star cast, which will bring back favourites such as Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville.

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The new set pics come just a month after the show officially announced it’ll be returning for a sequel. It made the announcement via Facebook at the time, writing, “We’re thrilled to announce that Julian Fellowes and the entire Downton Abbey cast are back for #DowntonAbbey2, with Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West joining! See the film in theatres this Christmas.”

Gareth Neame, the movie’s executive producer, also confirmed the news in a separate statement, saying, “After a very challenging year, with so many of us separated from family and friends, it is a huge comfort to think that better times are ahead and that next Christmas we will be reunited with the much-beloved characters of Downton Abbey.”

Following the first movie’s success — it reached number one in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the US — there was talk that a sequel was in the works. “We’re working on what the story is, and when we might be able to make it,” Gareth told The Hollywood Reporter in 2019. “But it’s the same as the first time around: we have to try to get everyone back together again. And that was very challenging.”

The first Downton Abbey movie was released in cinemas across Australia on September 12, 2019. Set in 1926 – one year after the final episode – the movie picked up where the television series left off. It’s not clear where the sequel will pick up from, but we’re looking forward to it!