Michelle Dockery: ‘I’m moving on swiftly from Downton Abbey’ (VIDEO)

Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery reveals she’s not resting on her laurels now that filming has stopped on the global hit series.

Speaking to What’s on TV at the launch of the last ever series of Julian Fellowes' period drama, Michelle revealed her plans for the future and how Downton Abbey had enabled her to make a difference in the lives of others…

Michelle, who plays Lady Mary Crawley, said: “I’m about to do a film with Jim Broadbent. It’s an adaptation of a book called Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes. Harriet Walters who plays Lady Shackleton in Downton Abbey is also in it, and some of our [Downton] crew are doing it, which is nice. It’s a lovely continuation.”

She explained: “I’m looking forward to moving on swiftly. I wouldn’t want to be hanging around missing the show.”

Reflecting on the beginnings of Downton Abbey Michelle, added: “There was a sense we were on to something great. Everyone was excited about it. But never would I have dreamed it would become this huge. It’s been an incredible experience."

She also admits that Downton’s definitely opened doors, some of them more unexpected than others…

“It’s opened up lots of opportunities for us - with work, but it’s also amazing what the show can do for other people. Each of us have our own charities that we’re involved with. We do these great Downton Abbey cabarets. They’re like a fundraising gala… but a bit more entertaining. Jim and I came up with this idea to do a cabaret. I sing, there are a few other cast members that sing, some people do readings, or a bit of comedy. It goes down really well because its not something you necessarily get to see at a fundraiser. And you get to see us out of character and doing something different. It’s incredible what can be raised for charities as a result of the success of the show.”

For the full interview with Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery, watch the video, above."]

Elaine Reilly
Writer for TV Times, What’s On TV, TV & Satellite Week and What To Watch

With twenty years of experience as an entertainment journalist, Elaine writes for What’s on TV, TV Times, TV & Satellite Week and www.whattowatch.com covering a variety of programs from gardening and wildlife to documentaries and drama.

 

As well as active involvement in the WTW family’s social media accounts, she has been known to get chatty on the red carpet and wander into the odd podcast. 


After a day of previewing TV, writing about TV and interviewing TV stars, Elaine likes nothing than to relax… by watching TV.