Maggie Smith is leaving Downton Abbey

The Dowager Countess' days of quipping are nearing their end. In a recent interview with the Sunday Times , Maggie Smith — who plays the legendarily caustic character on the popular period drama Downton Abbey — has revealed that she will leave the series after its sixth season.

"They say this is the last [season], and I can't see how it could go on," said Smith. "I mean, I certainly can’t keep going. To my knowledge, I must be 110 by now. We're into the late 1920s."

Though there are persistent rumors about Downton Abbey ending after its upcoming sixth season, the show's creative team has refused to confirm their long-term plans. "We'll call time when we think the time is right," said executive producer Gareth Neame in a recent interview.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up