Downton Abbey movie a 'definite possibilty' as cast member confirms talks have taken place

Raquel Cassidy who plays housemaid Phyllis Baxter says there is 'real hope'

The cast of Downton Abbey in the 2014 Christmas special (ITV)

Downton Abbey producers have been “in talks” about turning the ITV period drama into a Hollywood movie.

Cast member Raquel Cassidy, who plays Lady Grantham’s maid Phyllis Baxter, confirmed that a spin-off film is a “definite possibility” in an interview with the Daily Mirror.

“There is real hope,” she said. “It’s been mentioned more than once and there’s a lot of commercial and artistic interest. Stranger things have happened, so watch this space.”

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Downton Abbey has proved a huge hit in both the UK and US, making a movie financially viable.

The show’s writer, Julian Fellowes, has penned scripts for the big screen before – film fans may remember that he won an Oscar for his Gosford Park screenplay in 2001.

He has been asked about a Downton movie in the past, describing the idea as “great fun” but insisting that it would not go ahead until the TV series has ended.

Despite rumours that Downton would not be returning next year, a sixth series was confirmed after an average 10.4 million viewers tuned into the fifth.

“We have had an amazing reaction to the storylines, acting and production values of Downton Abbey this year and the whole team is thrilled to be moving ahead with a new season of the show,” said executive producer Gareth Neame.

“This will provide audiences with a fresh opportunity to see what will befall our much loved characters.”

Last Friday saw George Clooney make a cameo appearance in a Downton sketch for ITV’s Text Santa appeal, with regular actors Hugh Bonneville, Dame Maggie Smith and Michelle Dockery among those joining him.

Downton will return to our tellys on Christmas Day for a two-hour festive special. Bonneville, who plays Lord Grantham, has promised it will be “heartwarming” despite the rumoured departure of a major character.