Apple allows Americans to preview Downton Abbey on iTunes

Downton Abbey: Fellowes’ biggest success would also qualify, as it has a British cast and makes lavish use of Highclere Castle in Berkshire

If, like Michelle Obama, you are US-based and too obsessed with Downton Abbey to wait for it to be screened on PBS, iTunes might have the answer.

Episodes of the Series Three which have not yet aired across the pond will be available to download on Apple’s media site.

The show’s finale is scheduled for 17 February so three episodes available to preview on iTunes.

It is the first time Apple has offered a television series before broadcasters have screened it.

Downton Abbey, which stars Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith and Michelle Dockery, has been a big hit in the US with 8 million tuning in to watch Series Two’s season finale.

In November the First Lady Michelle Obama wrote to ITV1 requesting to see Series Three ahead of time.

An ITV source told The Sun: “We know it’s very popular in America as it’s so quintessentially British. We’d heard the Obamas liked to watch it but we were very surprised when someone from the First Lady’s office got in touch asking for the series.”

“They were very polite and we were more than happy to sort out some DVDs for them to send over. Obviously we hope they keep the spoilers to themselves as our US fans may not know about... well, you know what!”