If you like Fawlty Towers and The Two Ronnies you'll fit right in!

As Lady Carnarvon welcomes the Daily Express into Highclere Castle to mark the final chapter of Downton Abbey, she reveals why a British sense of humour is always vital... especially when dealing with clumsy film crews!

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ARISTOCRATS and A-listers visiting the lavish real-life set of Downton Abbey usually arrive in a chauffeur-driven car with an assistant on hand for any luggage. On the day I meet the 8th Countess of Carnarvon at Highclere Castle, I'm clad in an elegant designer top with my hair perfectly coiffed but, thanks to my supermarket bag-for-life and mini-cab, there's no disguising my commoner roots.

Highclere is, of course, the country estate in Hampshire recognised the world over as the majestic main character in Julian Fellowes's epic drama. There might not be a line-up of staff on the drive to greet my lessthan-aristocratic entrance, but nonetheless I'm nervous.

I'm about to come face to face with castle owner Lady Fiona Carnarvon, a real-life blue-blood who, just 100 years before, would only have glanced my way to check I hadn't missed a spot of dust on the silverware.

It's thanks to social mobility that I am here at all. And, as we know with nobility, first impressions count.

Lady Carnarvon can be found perched on the corner of a desk inside an ordinary office room where her closest household allies help her plan the day ahead.

She's busy getting to grips with the nitty gritty of her hectic schedule amid a cacophony of ringing mobiles. Like a below-stairs maid who has taken a wrong turn, I stand nervously, resisting the urge to curtsy. I extend my hand for a firm (but not too firm - as a school careers adviser once counselled) handshake and introduce myself as "Sam", a name the upper classes admittedly struggle with at the best of times.

Lady C, as she likes to be known, politely asks if I have travelled far. "Essex", I respond, waiting to see if smelling salts might be required. "Just like Michelle Dockery." The smile she shoots back tells me I never had any reason to worry.

For the last 15 years, Downton Abbey has captivated millions of fans with its dramatic storylines, stunning sets and witty dialogue.