Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville shared why the iconic Dame Maggie Smith won’t be gracing the screen in Downton Abbey 3.
Tragically, today [September 27] brought the news that the legendary Dame Maggie Smith had passed away peacefully in hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. However, it turns out her absence from the new film isn’t related to her sad passing but because her beloved character, Lady Violet, had already died off-screen in the previous movie, Downton Abbey: A New Era, which hit cinemas in 2022.
READ MORE: Harry Potter stars who have died as Dame Maggie Smith passes away aged 89
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In a heartfelt chat, the 60 year old actor shared with Yahoo UK: “People who’ve watched the show over the years and have loved it will miss Maggie Smith’s presence. She doesn’t step out of the shower and it’s all been a dream, she is gone.”
(Image: © 2010 Universal.)
He added: “But, I think there’s so much warmth and fun to enjoy, and new elements as well – which I won’t spoil – that I think it’ll certainly be the best iteration of the film versions yet.”
The highly anticipated Downton 3 is set to drop next year, with filming having concluded just one month prior to Maggie’s death at 89. The latest instalment will welcome fresh talent to the franchise, including Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale, and Arty Froushan, reports the Mirror.
(Image: Carnival Films)
Michelle Dockery, the star who brings Lady Mary Crawley to life, was buzzing as she remarked on the upcoming Downton Abbey flick: “It feels amazing and emotional. It’s wonderful, all to be back together again. We come back together and it feels like no time has passed at all. We’re so happy to announce that we’re in production for the third Downton Abbey movie, we can’t wait to see you.”
The world of cinema is mourning as Dame Maggie Smith’s sons announced her loss with a statement saying: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end.”
(Image: TV Grab)
The statement added heart-wrenching details: “She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
