Actress proud of Downton

Actress Joanne Froggatt has said she is “proud” of Downton Abbey for tackling a controversial rape storyline which prompted complaints to ITV and regulator Ofcom.

By The Newsroom

Published 9th Oct 2013, 01:01 BST

The Scarborough star, whose character Anna Bates was attacked by Lord Gillingham’s valet Mr Green in Sunday’s episode of the show, said it was a “brave” move by programme-makers.

ITV warned viewers about upsetting scenes before the start of the period drama, created by Julian Fellowes, but still received “around 60 complaints” by Monday, with Ofcom also receiving an undisclosed number.

Froggatt said : “I was really proud of the show for tackling a subject like this. It’s a really brave thing to do and I really do believe that Julian’s written that in a way that is not gratuitous at all, he does very much go on to explore the emotional journey of Anna and Bates.”