ITV's stately drama is given second series

ITV bosses have ordered a second series of Downton Abbey after its ratings success.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Oct 2010, 00:29 BST

The network has commissioned another eight-part run of the country house drama – scripted by Oscar winner Julian Fellowes – to be screened next year.

ITV said the programme is the most successful new drama launched on any channel for 18 months.

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The programme, which stars Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Penelope Wilton and Elizabeth McGovern, examines the lives of the Crawley family and their domestic staff.

ITV's director of drama commissioning Laura Mackie said: "We're extremely proud to have commissioned a series which has clearly captivated ITV1 viewers."

ITV said the first episode of Downton Abbey drew 9.24 million viewers, slightly more than BBC's audience for Sherlock.

Related topics:ITVCrawleyBBC