She's not to be messed with! Dame Maggie Smith reportedly demands Downton producer be sacked for calling her 'difficult'



She's a favourite character on Downton Abbey for her sharp wit and not-to-be-messed-with attitude.



And it appears that Dame Maggie Smith shares some of the Dowager Countess's ruthlessness.



The actress, 77, is said to have demanded that US producer Rebecca Eaton be axed from the show.

Not best pleased: Dame Maggie Smith is said to have demanded that US producer Rebecca Eaton be axed from Downton Abbey for calling her 'difficult'

Maggie was reportedly angered when Rebecca called Maggie 'difficult'.



According to the Mirror , Eaton said in April: Maggie Smith is a handful. She's very difficult.'



Smith was said to be so riled by the accusation that she is apparently unable to work with Eaton in the future.

This has naturally caused something of a panic, since Maggie is one of the show's greatest appeals.

Delicate situation: Maggie is naturally one of the show's biggest appeals, so producers are keen to ensure she stays on board

A source told the paper: 'Maggie made it clear that she no longer wanted to work with her.'

'As a result, Eaton has been asked to stand down from the third series, and her name will be taken off the credits.'

However there appears to have been something of a crossed wires, as a show spokesperson gave a different account,

They said: 'The credits for series three aren't finished yet, but it is highly likely that Rebecca Eaton's name will appear.'