When the primary Downton Abbey film – which is on ITV1 tonight – was launched three years in the past, hypothesis was rife a couple of sequel.

At the time creator Julian Fellowes and the solid weren’t certain if it could occur, however they have been actually open to the thought.

Since then we’ve had Downton Abbey: A New Era and plainly historical past is repeating itself in the case of the thought of Downton Abbey 3.

Fellowes advised Daily Mail across the sequel’s launch: “In this business, it's very foolish not to give people what they want. I've said goodbye to these characters more times than I can number.

“Each time I think, 'This is the end, goodbye'. Then I'm writing another series or movie.”

Certainly, there are a variety of routes a possible Downton Abbey 3 may take ought to Fellowes resolve to pen one other. With the plot having moved on from 1912 when the collection began to 1928 within the second film, Fellowes continues to have a wealth of historical past to encompass Downton Abbey in. There was the hardship of the Great Depression that might be explored, or maybe extra historic figures like King George V within the first movie might be launched.

The Nineteen Thirties noticed Winston Churchill in his wilderness years, so perhaps he may find yourself visiting Downton. Then there was the 12 months of the three Kings in 1936 to contemplate too. And let’s not overlook the rise of Fascism in Western Europe and the Second World War looming in 1939; though maybe we’ll have to attend for Downton Abbey 4 or 5 for that.

Nevertheless, we could not even get there as rumours abound that Downton Abbey might be returning to TV as a substitute.

Daily Mail’s sources reported this summer time: “There is a plan which is in growth and there's a lot of pleasure about. There is casting happening, and it could be nice if all the large stars can return. People liked Downton. It turned a British establishment and it has been a lot missed because it left our screens.

“There is big pleasure round this challenge. It was a Sunday night time favorite and bought large viewing figures. There has been little or no to compete with it ever because it ended." Of course, all this must be taken with a pinch of salt as ITV mentioned no talks have taken place.

Downton Abbey left our TV screens in 2015, however a small-screen revival would definitely be welcome, even alongside a 3rd film.