DOWNTON Abbey fans were rocked last night by news that another of its major stars is set to turn his back on ITV’s most successful period drama.
Just as a fourth series and Christmas special were announced, it emerged that romantic lead Dan Stevens, 30, who plays Matthew Crawley, is leaving.
A well-placed production source told the Sunday Express: “Dan Stevens isn’t returning to the series. He will probably do the first episode of the fourth series, but that will be it.”
ITV would not confirm or deny Stevens’s departure. However, it is thought he will appear in the Christmas show. The two-hour episode, described as a tearjerker, will see the Grantham family head to Scotland for a break, leaving most of the servants at home.
There have also been wrangles over money. A source said: “The American network NBC, which owns the production company which makes the show, basically bankrolled the first series.
“There was talk it didn’t want to put in so much money this time. Even with all this there are still plans to do five series.”
Read the full article here
Just as a fourth series and Christmas special were announced, it emerged that romantic lead Dan Stevens, 30, who plays Matthew Crawley, is leaving.
A well-placed production source told the Sunday Express: “Dan Stevens isn’t returning to the series. He will probably do the first episode of the fourth series, but that will be it.”
ITV would not confirm or deny Stevens’s departure. However, it is thought he will appear in the Christmas show. The two-hour episode, described as a tearjerker, will see the Grantham family head to Scotland for a break, leaving most of the servants at home.
There have also been wrangles over money. A source said: “The American network NBC, which owns the production company which makes the show, basically bankrolled the first series.
“There was talk it didn’t want to put in so much money this time. Even with all this there are still plans to do five series.”
Read the full article here
That's almost the one character I couldn't see the show without.
ReplyDeleteFor me, he's not necessary. Neither is Mary. Their storyline this season was a huge snoozefest.
ReplyDeleteWhat? Noooo! Downton without Matthew? I dont like it at all!!
ReplyDeleteOh NO. I'm so sad.
ReplyDeleteNoo. Just no. I will not accept this.
ReplyDeletewonder how he will go - if they keep him alive i think it will stuff up any future story lines for mary. perhaps some kind of accident?
ReplyDeleteWow, now I'm actually quite shocked. I loved the interaction Matthew had with Branson / Robert in the last few episodes, kind of a great combination between the new and the old. I will definitely miss that. I'm sure the breakup with Mary will also be heartbreaking (cause there hasn't been enough of that in that family).
ReplyDeleteHardly a surprise. I guess we can expect a baby boy in the Christmas ep then. I doubt they'll do the whole search-for-an-heir thing again. I just hope this doesn't screw up Mary's story lines too much. I will never forgive Dan Stevens if he takes Dockery down with him.
ReplyDeleteI can't conceive any scenario in which this does not totally screw up the rest of the story.
ReplyDeletei feel too many deaths already! i miss Sybil..: (
ReplyDelete