HIGHCLERE Castle, the location used to film Downton Abbey, is currently shut due to flooding and power outages.

In the wake of the high winds and torrential rain brought in by Storm Katie overnight, the world-famous venue says it has been forced to temporarily close.

A statement on its website says: "Highclere will not open today.

"Storm Katie has caused power outages and flooding. More details soon."

It comes after Lady Carnarvon, of Highclere Castle, told the BBC how "sad" she was that the annual charity Easter egg hunt in the grounds of the castle had been cancelled due to the weather.

She said: "Unfortunately with our winter rain fill, it has rained and rained, we have duck ponds rather than grass fields."

The event, which has been going for a decade, is usually held to raise money for Naomi House hospice.