THIS FEELS LIKE A GOOD TIME TO SAY GOODBYE'

Hugh Bonneville talks about going bananas on the Downton Abbey set, paying tribute to Dame Maggie Smith and why he's heading back to the theatre

- INTERVIEW: SALLY JAMES/FEATS PRESS

When he first appeared on our screens as Downton Abbey's Lord Grantham in 2010, Hugh Bonneville won the hearts of the nation. Since then, the actor, 61, has received a Bafta Award nomination for his portrayal of Ian Fletcher in the BBC mockumentary Twenty Twelve, also starring as Mr Henry Brown in the Paddington films. Now, he is set to return as Downton's patriarch - a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination and two Emmy Award nods as the series bows out with its third and final film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. Last week, the actor made a rare appearance on the red carpet for the movie's world premiere with his girlfriend, Heidi Kadlecová, with whom he has been romantically involved since October 2024. Here, Hugh reveals what fans can expect from the final instalment, how the film honours the late Dame Maggie Smith and whether this really is the end of Downton Abbey.

Hugh, what can viewers look forward to?