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That's not very ladylike! Michelle Dockery suits up to shop for sheep at market as Downton Abbey starts filming series six

Published: 07:57 EST, 19 March 2015 | Updated: 11:15 EST, 19 March 2015

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With Branson headed to Boston, Lady Mary's duties at Downton have doubled and it looks like Michelle Dockery's character is really stepping up to the plate when it comes to managing the estate.

Michelle was spotted filming scenes for the sixth series of the smash hit drama on Thursday, joining Hugh Bonneville and Laura Carmichael to shoot a market scene in Wiltshire.

The 33-year-old actress looked ready for business in a smart tie and hat combo as she shot her scenes with her on-screen father and sister.

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The lady has arrived: Michelle Dockery shots scenes for the sixth series of Downton Abbey in Wiltshire on Thursday, covering up her period costume with a thick white coat

As her role in managing the family estate increases and the fashion wheel turns, Michelle's wardrobe appears to be getting more masculine.

The actress was spotted in a brown jacket and matching skirt as she filmed scenes this week, with the outfit paired with a coordinating hat and gloves.

A shirt and tie could be glimpsed underneath her jacket, with Michelle keeping warm in a padded white coat in between takes.

Michelle Dockery spotted filming new Downton Abbey scenes

Sisterly love? Michelle's on-screen sister Laura Carmichael was also part of the shoot, suggesting the characters may be getting closer in the new series

Despite their characters' sisterly squabbles in past seasons, Laura Carmichael was also spotted shooting with Michelle for the market scene.

Dressed in a beige hat with a mint green, print trim which matched her scarf, the actress, who plays Lady Edith, laughed with her on-screen sister as they checked out the sheep who were being held in pens as part of the scene.

High Bonneville was also on set as Lord Grantham, covering up his green suit and brown tie with another very 21st century coat.

Fatherly duties: Hugh Bonneville checked out the sheep extras as he waited around between takes

That's better! Michelle shed her 21st century coat once the cameras rolled to reveal a chic brown suit and shirt and tie

The actor clutched his script as he chatted to crew members while the scene was being set up.

It's the first time the cast have been spotted shooting for the sixth series of the ITV drama which has become a phenomenal success worldwide.

But there are fears this sixth series, which will air in the UK later this year, could be the last, with rumours spreading earlier this year that it was an 'open secret' that Downton will end in 2015.

An ITV spokesperson was quick to calm fears though, telling MailOnline in January: 'We wouldn't comment on speculative stories about our programmes.'

Kate and Downton Abbey crew laugh as they pose for photo

Bonding: Michelle and Laura shared a laugh as they inspected the animals on a break from filming

Feeling chilly: The 33-year-old actress tried to keep warm in the chilly temperatures as she waited with crew members and extras

The lord is in the house: Hugh, who plays Lord Grantham, was dressed in a green suit and brown tie

The show's creator Julian Fellowes did little to calm fears when he told the New York Times this month that he doesn't 'own' the show any more, so has little say over its future.

'NBC Universal [which owns Carnival Films] owns Downton Abbey. So I could walk away. But I wouldn't walk away. It's too much my baby,' explained Fellowes.

The writer added that he 'can't immediately' say exactly when the show will end, but went on to admit that he wouldn't want to continue the storylines of the Crawley family past World War Two.

'Maybe people would say, "Oh my God, that's baby George, grown up!" But I don't think it would be continuous, with Michelle Dockery with her hair covered with talcum powder.'

Back in time: The Wiltshire village played host to a farmers market set up in the historic streets

Making friends: Hugh wandered around the animal-filled set as he waited to get started

Classic ride: A vintage car was parked up in a side street ready for filming

Representing the downstairs staff on set were Sophie McShera, who plays Daisy, and new cast member Michael Fox, who joined the show at the end of fifth series to play footman Andy.

Sophie was seen walking to set in costume, but with a cosy pink robe thrown over the top.

The 30-year-old added some comfy furry boots to her outfit as she hurried along with Matthew.

Downstairs outing: Sophie McShera (Daisy), Michael Fox (Andy) and Kevin Doyle (Molesley) were also spotted heading to set

Period detail: The cast were dressed in hats and coats for the outdoors shots

The actor was dressed in a long brown coat and scarf, with his hair slicked back.

Kevin Doyle who plays Molesley, Downton's first footman, trailed behind his co-stars, dressed in his servant's uniform of dark coat and white shirt.

A host of extras were also seen milling around the set, with scenes being shot in a pretty Wiltshire village.

Michelle Dockery talks about her Downton character

Hat off: Laura and Michelle both sported some chic headgear as they caught up in between scenes

Cameras out: The cast and crew couldn't resist snapping away on their phones

Time for a selfie? Hugh was spotted capturing the action on his phone as he waited with Michael Fox

The picturesque village of Bampton in Oxfordshire has been used as the main location for exterior shots since series one, doubling up as the fictional Yorkshire location for the Downton residents.

Highclere Castle meanwhile stands in as the family home, while the downstairs scenes are filmed at Ealing Studios.

Series six of Downton Abbey will air in the UK later this year.

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