THE Gazette joined media from all over the UK and beyond for today’s central London premiere of the first episode of the sixth – and final - series of Downton Abbey.

The award-winning ITV costume drama is filmed locally at Highclere Castle and the property, the seat of the Earl of Carnarvon, was the original inspiration for the programme.

Those present were also able to hear from Downton’s executive producers Gareth Neame, Julian Fellowes and Liz Trubridge, in addition to cast members including Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville and Joanne Froggatt.

Gareth said: “Last night at 7pm we wrapped all of the servants. They shot their last scene. It’s an incredibly emotional, moving scene in the very last episode. It was very cleverly scheduled that they had that scene to do and then we clapped them all off the stage.

“I can tell you that quite a few tears were shed by grown men in the form of butlers and footmen that I never expected to see.

“I think the final season is very strong and I believe the fans of the show around the world will be happy and satisfied with what happens to our characters.”

Dame Maggie, who plays the Dowager Countess, Violet, added: ‘‘I’m just surprised that I got to the end because just before this I’d done about 10 years with Harry Potter. So I felt very old indeed by the time I got to the Dowager.

“I’m honestly just surprised that I got through it and I’m still here.”

Basingstoke Gazette:

The five times BAFTA-award winning actress paid tribute to the Downton Abbey crew and production team.

Maggie continued: “It was extraordinary and incredibly reassuring to see these people day after day and know that they were the first people there and they were last people to go.

"You’ve no idea how incredibly exhausting that must be. I do not know how it’s done, quite honestly. And there they are, all of them, and always in a very good mood, which I can’t say for myself.”

Downton Abbey is the most nominated British show in Emmy history with 59 nominations to date and 11 wins.

As well as its record-breaking Emmy nominations, the show has so far amassed nearly 30 other major accolades around the world, including three Golden Globes, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, three BAFTAs and three National Television Awards for Best Drama as voted for by the British public.

The show’s writer and creator Julian Fellowes said: “The characters have been so real to me for six years. So I do think you have a little sadness.

“I’m very unlikely to be involved in anything that is as successful again and so, of course, I say goodbye to these golden years with a slight pang. But it seems the right time to go while we’re still firing.”

Downton Abbey was this week honoured with a BAFTA Special Award in recognition of its contribution to television both in the UK and around the world.

It was also announced today that Patricia Hodge will join the cast for the final ever episode, which will air on Christmas Day.

The sixth and final series of Downton Abbey begins on ITV1 later this year.