Image copyright ITV Image caption The show followed the trials and tribulations of the Crawley family and their staff

Fans of Downton Abbey can breathe a sign of relief - a film of the hugely successful TV series has finally been confirmed after much speculation.

The "original principal cast" will begin production later this summer, the film's producers said.

The show's creator Julian Fellowes has written the film's screenplay, and he is going to co-produce as well.

The period TV drama, which was a hit around the world, ended at Christmas 2015 after six series.

Brian Percival, who directed The Book Thief, About a Girl and the Downton Abbey pilot, will direct the film.

Image copyright ITV

The series, which had an ensemble cast led by Hugh Bonneville and Dame Maggie Smith, followed the many ups and downs of the Crawley family and their servants.

They all lived together in an Edwardian English country home at the turn of the 20th Century.

Image copyright ITV Image caption Cast members included Michelle Dockery and Dame Maggie Smith

It received a special Bafta tribute in 2015 and won three Golden Globes, 15 Primetime Emmy Awards and 69 Emmy nominations.

Not surprisingly, Downton is the most nominated non-US show in the history of the Emmy Awards and was shown in more than 250 territories worldwide.

Gareth Neame, the film's producer, said, "Now, after getting many stars aligned, we are shortly to go into production.

"Julian's script charms, thrills and entertains and in Brian Percival's hands we aim to deliver everything that one would hope for as Downton comes to the big screen".

Joanne Froggatt, who played maid Anna Bates, tweeted that she was "delighted".

Many fans of the show took to Twitter to welcome the news.

Jeremy Swift, who played butler Septimus Spratt, told ITV's Lorraine last year: "It's supposed to be happening - filming - this year, but it hasn't been locked down yet."

In 2016, Fellowes had said he was already thinking about a plot for a film adaptation to avoid being "caught on the hop" if it was given the go-ahead.

Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.