The footman who nearly brought down Thomas James Kent was the second footman hired after Alfred Nugent. He is remembered by the Belfast Telegraph as a "staple of TV and film for many years. Later on, Edith has a baby with a man who goes missing while trying to divorce his wife, as Time recapped. However, Smithsonian also noted that audiences tend to flock to historical dramas because they display the best parts of history: the fancy clothes, lavish homes, and decadent parties. In an interview with The New York Times, Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes said, "My own belief is that these things have a life. For many actors, Downton Abbey was their first big break in television. But, in Season 2,all the minutiae started getting tossed aside in favor of larger-than-life plots that feel out of place in the slow-moving world of English aristocracy fans were initially introduced to. Rose left the series after her character arc was complete, with Gwen happily out of service and working as a typist. From Austin Butler and Cate Blanchett to a potential Best Supporting Actress toss-up, see who EW thinks will win at the 2023 Oscars. She appeared in Season 1 (and is mentioned throughout Season 2 and Season 3) when she met with Anna Smith (Joanne Froggatt) to expose her daughter-in-law Vera's criminal past. We most recently saw him in the part of Edward Seymour in Wolf Hall, and he will also star in upcoming films Remainder and Howl. Gender this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Throughout the seasons, viewers celebrated with their "Downton Abbey" family as Lady Mary and Matthew finally wed and mourned alongside them when Lady Sybil died in childbirth. She made her professional stage debut in comedy London Wall in 2013. Whilst at Thirsk fair that a lot of the staff attended, Jimmy won some money betting on the Downton Abbey team in a tug of war match. I know Im writing it and its my fault, but these characters become so real to you over the years.. It was also essential for Fellowes that Violet remain an important part of the family until the very end. In the TV series, you could have a sadder ending one episode because the show would be back the following week and you could contrast that with something. Maybe Ed Speleers was looking to leave the show, because . By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Most prominently, he's been cast alongside Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter in Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass. He also had a very memorable appearance on "Fawlty Towers" as Mr. Johnson, a hotel guest hiding women in his room right under the nose of Basil Fawlty (John Cleese). If you havent seen the film yet, check out our review and feature on Downton star Michelle Dockery instead. Terence Harvey, born Terence John Humes, played estate manager Mr. Jarvis, who had worked for the Crawley family since 1880, on "Downton Abbey." Jessica is now starring in new BBC2 drama Harlots. Blond "I have no idea how they will explain my absence," she laughed. British ensemble series "Downton Abbey" follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their household staff from 1912 to 1926. Families are constantly going through sad and happy events., He adds, The passing of the character will be sad but appreciated by audiences. Thomas appeared and stepped in to protect Jimmy and was beaten and robbed in his place after Jimmy ran away and left him. Leaving me terrified, and thats what made me want to do it. At the time, no one could have expected just how big of a phenomenon it would become. The show is a warm blanket many have described it that way, Bonneville affirms. Are our parents OK? ", MORE: Where was Downton Abbey filmed? Residence Had the show continued on past its sixth season, the Crawleys would have been taken well into the 1930s, at which point it would have been difficult to believe Downton as an estate would have survived at all. Jimmy has a "natural air of confidence and grace" that Alfred does not have, and "takes the role of first footman, as a natural right, a bone of contention." When she was 15 years old, she was invited to dance with the Kirov at the Royal Opera House for a summer season. The Dowager Countess was Lady Sybil's paternal grandmother, so found her death difficult. This rejection from a young age has had a massive impact on Slean's life. This, coupled with the fact that World War I opened up more opportunities for women, led estates like Downton Abbey to lose their workforce. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. The pair quickly part ways, citing philosophical differences. When Clarkson eventually diagnoses Sybil with eclampsia, Tapsell's failure to agree prevents the family from taking her to the hospital and she dies after giving birth. Michelle Dockery couldnt know how Downton Abbey would change her life, and she hopes shes not done with Lady Mary yet. How does Downton Abbey fit into all of this? But it was still a big win for older-skewing movies in the pandemic era. Some of the crew members even joined in as extras in the scene, which was another technical feat for Curtis. Violets death comes toward the end of the film, after a storyline about her past that brings some of the family to the South of France. Director Simon Curtis, who joined the franchise for the first time on A New Era, describes the experience as one of the most emotional days Ive ever had filming. There was a lot of discussion about where specific characters should be standing in the room and who should be together, some of which Fellowes had scripted. MORE:Downton Abbey star Robert James-Collier teases Thomas' ending in sequel. Lord Grantham refers to them as being "thick as thieves", and he voices surprise when he hears that they have had a falling out. Mr Kent (father) Mrs Kent (mother) Unnamed cousins Though Matthew apologizes for causing offense and Lord Grantham asks him to reconsider staying, it is too late and Jarvis starts to leave. We couldn't really hear her, but we're sure she was brilliant. Dan has gone onto huge success following his exit, and has starred in The Guest,Beauty and the Beast and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. So, by the time we finally got to see Thomas carve out a smidge of romantic happiness for himself in theDownton Abbeymovie, it was a welcome momentbut it was one that almost didn't happen. While the show certainly has its fans, had it continued, it would always have an endless line of shows with which to compete. I mean, this is all our lives. I felt shed been so iconic a character since the show began and so part of its great success that I felt we all wanted to make much more of it. I think it was midway through the shoot, but that anticipation leading up to it was so emotional. "They made the decision, even though it was a great scene, to remove that and it was the wise decision. "I can't really remember why he had to do that, but he did," he explains. Lord Grantham blew all of the estate's money on a bogus railway investment, failed to keep up with modernization, and, at several points, pondered shutting down Downton and moving his family altogether,Vulturerecapped. of 9 actors who have bowed out of Highclere Castle1. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. And if Downton goes on of course that's not my decision then it would be with other writers.". She was 20 years old when she joined the cast of Downton. After leaving Downton Abbey, she also moved onto the big screen where she starred in Winter's Tale opposite Colin Farrell. The Real Reason Why Downton Abbey Was Canceled. Where we go in this film and the eventual death of the character, I think it gives [the story] the bittersweet element. Like his "Downton Abbey" character, Henson spent most of his career on the stage. He plays the piano, Anna Bates remarking at one point it was nice to have another piano player downstairs (In reference to William Masonwho had also died). Ivy Stuart took a fancy to Jimmy, and so did Thomas Barrow. According to the Downton Abbey page onRotten Tomatoes, the show was generally well-received throughout its entire run. MORE:The Downton Abbey children are all grown up! That is, a race against the progression of history. After six seasons, the story of Downton Abbey was simply finished. He also acts in touring stage productions including Peter James's The Perfect Murder. [People have] commented on the fact it feels timely. Jimmy's father died in the Great War, and his mother from Spanish flu. (opens in new tab). After struggling to raise her son and turning to prostitution, Ethel eventually gets a clean slate and works at a housemaid near her son, who is being raised by his wealthy grandparents. After some time away, he returned to Downton as footman, despite moving down the ranks. Lady Sybil's death shocked viewers, as she tragically died due to complications during childbirth. Though the plot lines did drag out in certain areas, fans could be happy with how the show ended, rather than say "it's about time" as the credits rolled. He was a major character until the end of the fourth series, when he was written out to enrol for training to be a chef. He continued, saying, "And I think, if you stay too long, you start to repeat. Digital Spy participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Get the latest updates, reviews and unmissable series to watch and more! James Kent (called Jimmy below stairs) is a character on the series, Downton Abbey. READ:How much did the stars of Downton Abbey make during the show? Though Mrs. Bates only had a brief appearance on "Downton Abbey," she helped to set the relationship of one of the series' favorite couples in motion. Filming this decline would've made forvastly different seasons if Downton Abbey hadn't been canceled. He told Deadline, "What happens in the end with any serial drama is there's a limited number of things that happen to human beings." Inevitably, time catches up to them. Riz Ahmed and Lily James join new thriller, Line of Duty stars confirmed for ITV's DNA Journey, Downton Abbey star's new movie gets first trailer, Sister Act's Whoopi Goldberg begs star to return, Matthew Goode's new movie is now on Netflix UK, Downton Abbey star gives birth to twin boys, Downton Abbey actress joins new BBC series, Marvel star teases "ridiculous" new TV series, New trailer for Downton Abbey star's Medieval, 9 actors who have left Downton Abbey for better or worse, David M. Benett/Getty Images for Virgin Atlantic, DIGITAL SPY, PART OF THE HEARST UK ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK. Her favourite TV programmes include Inside No 9, American Horror Story, Stranger Things and Black Mirror but she is also partial to a quiz show or a bit of Say Yes to the Dress! "I signed up to do three series and that was all I wanted to do," she explained. We had to just hold back the tears before we could then let it go. Jimmy (used by the Downton staff (except for, First Footman at Downton Abbey (formerly). However, this appearance on "Downton Abbey" was just a stop along the way for Pickup, who has a long list of credits under his belt, including supporting roles in other prominent period dramas. She didnt ever become a burden in that way, and she always was consulted up to the moment of her death.. By the end of Season 5, according to Bustle, many of the struggles Downton Abbey's characters faced had all but been tied up in a neat little bow. When I stop loving something, I stop doing it. He did however upset her when he acted rudely toward Alfred about pursuing his dream as a chef, whereas everyone else downstairs was encouraging him. Do we like our job? HELLO! Jimmy was furious at that because he had never been called James in his life; even to Lady Anstruther he was called Jimmy. Although he landed a part in the film Anna Karenina in 2012, he hasn't done much TV or film work since. Jimmy leaves Downton Abbey after a night of dramatic events. Downton Abbey is our new binge watch (again) thanks to ITV3 showing old episodes, and it's certainly filling the void while we patiently await the film's sequel., MORE:Downton Abbey: A New Era review: Dame Maggie Smith's presence towers, While we can only imagine that it must have been one of the best jobs on telly with the gorgeous house and incredible costumes, there were several cast members who left the series - whether it was by choice or the end of their storyline. Offers may be subject to change without notice. How much did the stars of Downton Abbey make during the show? It seems thatthe actor was just too busy with his other projects to reprise his role as Lady Mary's husband. To some, Downton Abbey fails to stand up to modern scrutiny, and instead belongs in a past that didn't care to see the harsh realities of history. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Ed Speleers. She was a versatile actor performing everything from Shakespeare to Sophocles and anything in between she even had a stint doing pantomime. ", On February24, 2021, Pickup died peacefully after a long illness (via the BBC). Jessica played Mary and Edith's beloved sister, Sybil, on the show, but left in season three after her character died shortly after childbirth. The actor performed in classics like "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The film continues the Crawleys' story around 18 months after the events of the show's finale. Given the struggles the fictional estate already faced combined with the Great Depression that lasted from 1929 to 1933, it's unlikely Downton would come out unscathed. However, 69 Emmy nominations and 15 wins later, it's never been more apparent just how much of an impact the show made. The latest former Downton star to confirm that they won't be making an appearance in the show's big screen venture is Ed Speleers, who appeared as Jimmy Kent in the show for three series and left . Julian Fellowes told Radio Times,however, that he didn't know Stevens wouldn't return until Season 3 was well underway. "I signed up to do three series and that was all I wanted to do," she explained. Everything that happened after all of that in Season 6 was simply icing on the cake. He needed to go in order to make room for Molesley, who was without a position at Downton. "He's delivered many lords and royal highnesses," the Dowager insists to her son Lord Grantham. When viewers said goodbye to the show, every character was seemingly done with their journey. The setting alone presents an issue faced uniquely by historical dramas. Molesley can usually be seen tending to his exquisite rose garden or offering advice to his son Joseph (Kevin Doyle), who is a butler-turned-valet to Matthew Crawley. I wish you luck with your sweeping.". Thomas Howes starred in the first and second series of the show as William Mason, before leaving in 2011. But there's only so long a show can go on without tiring out its audience with what are essentially the same storylines with a fresh coat of paint each season. Though Downton Abbey was a widely beloved show, as its Rotten Tomatoes reviews prove, it wasn't without its critics some of whom pointed out that the show presents an idealized version of a time in history when the division between the aristocracy and working class seemed unbridgeable. In the early days, as The Guardian pointed out, Downton Abbey focused on the intricate details of everyday life at Downton, like the mystery of a missing wine bottle or sisterly tension. Because it's a movie, it's not as dramatic as the series because you can't have two hours of. However, when Season 5 ended, two other characters said their goodbyes. Jimmy continues taking Ivy out, but when he heightens his advances beyond kissing, Ivy pushes him off, especially after he insists she return the favor for his good treatment of her. Thomas' portrayal of the sweet boy next door footman William ended on a sad note when he was killed off when most of the men of the house go to fight in WWI. Poor Ethel didn't have the best time of things on the show. The emotion just reads on their faces. We most recently saw him in the part of Edward. 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