Deck those halls and jingle those bells, the Crawleys are set to have a big family Christmas this year.


Lily James has confirmed that she will be returning to Downton Abbey for the hit period drama’s last ever episode. The 26-year-old star, who plays Lady Rose in the popular ITV series, will be back to say a final farewell after being noticeably absent from all eight episodes of season six.

“It was amazing going back after a break,” she said. “You are just totally re-inspired by the wonder of it, that grand house against grey skies and all the friends you haven’t seen in so long.”

“I have such happy, positive memories and a sense of accomplishment about being on the show,” she told Harpers Bazaar, adding: “I don’t know if I’d be sitting here if it weren’t for Downton. It would have all been very different.”

As well as making her final appearance in the Downton Abbey Christmas special, James is set to star in upcoming BBC1 drama War and Peace, as well as movie Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, which is set for release next February.


Downton Abbey series 6 concludes on Sunday at 9:00pm, before returning for a Christmas special