Why Downton Abbey may not quite be over yet

Julian Fellowes and Emma Joy Kitchener attending a BAFTA tribute evening for Downton Abbey held at The Richmond Theatre, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday August 11, 2015. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire

DOWNTON ABBEY creator Julian Fellowes has hinted the drama may not be completely finished once the sixth and final series has aired on television.

The writer said he would not be surprised if the ITV show had “some afterlife” when the Emmy Award-winning programme ends later this year.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if it had some afterlife because it’s been such a strong force. But it’s definitely finished on television. That’s it,” he said.

The 65-year-old said Downton Abbey was “a huge part” of his life, but he believes he has made the correct decision to call time on the drama.

“I think it’s right to stop when people are sorry and not when people are relieved,” he said.

The cast and crew were on the red carpet for BAFTA Celebrates Downton Abbey at the Richmond Theatre in Surrey this evening.

BAFTA are honouring the period drama for its success in the UK and across the globe with a Special Award, which was presented to the producers by actress Julie Walters.

The special tribute, hosted by Jonathan Ross, will air on ITV later this year.

Downton Abbey will return in the autumn for a sixth series, while a final Christmas special will air in December.

Later this evening, the cast and crew of the period drama series Downton Abbey will receive a special award during a unique BAFTA tribute.

Downton Abbey is set in a fictional Yorkshire country estate and one of its key actresses, Joanne Froggatt, is from Yorkshire.