'Downton Abbey' Producers Reveal Details of Final Episode

The most Emmy-nominated British show in history will draw to a close in the U.K. on Christmas Day.

In a move likely to bring a tear to the eye of fans of the Granthams, possibly including Queen Elizabeth, ITV and Carnival have unveiled details of Downton Abbey's final ever episode.

The series finale will air in the U.K. on Christmas Day, and will see the Highclere Castle regulars joined by Patricia Hodge (Miranda), alongside the return of Lily James, Matt Berber and Peter Egan to give it a festive send-off.

"Mary endeavors to build bridges with her sister while Edith’s secret continues to pose a threat, despite having nothing left to lose," says the release for the episode, which will visit the family and servants as they prepare to welcome in 1926. "As Henry settles into the role of husband and stepfather, finding his place at Downton proves more difficult. Below the stairs, Carson faces some personal challenges, which prove that even he is not invulnerable to change."

The concluding episode was shot at Alnwick Castle, which doubled as the location for Brancaster, home of Bertie Pelham, the new Marquess of Hexham. Filming took place in the interior rooms of the Castle as well as on the estate, while dining scenes were shot in London's famed Ritz hotel.

With the last episode of season six drawing a two-year U.K. ratings high, the Christmas special will draw to a close one of the most successful British shows of all time, shown in more than 250 territories worldwide and with a record 59 Emmy nominations, including 12 wins.

Although nothing is yet confirmed, a source for Universal confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that talks regarding a Downton Abbey film were in preliminary stages, while there were also plans to expand the brand further.

Downton Abbey season six is due to premiere on PBS' Masterpiece in January.