Downton Abbey's Elizabeth McGovern says it felt like the cast had 'never left' and insists they're 'like a family' as she discusses the hotly-anticipated movie
Downton Abbey's Elizabeth McGovern has told how it felt like the cast had 'never left' when they got together to shoot the film and likened them to a 'family'.
The actress, who plays Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham on the series, spoke to Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on Thursday's edition of This Morning to discuss the upcoming flick.
She said: 'Well it felt like we'd never left, it was amazing, I mean it really is a bit like a family, we've been through so much together and you just slot right back in, all the old dynamics just resume and we march on.'
Family: Downton Abbey's Elizabeth McGovern has told how it felt like the cast had 'never left' when they got together to shoot the film during an appearance on This Morning
The film is scheduled to be released on September 13 in the UK and the cast and crew have not ruled out a sequel.
Elizabeth said: 'All doors are always left open is as much as I can say so we'll see.'
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The film is set in 1927 and features a visit to Downton Abbey by King George V and Queen Mary.
Elizabeth told how she felt like 'no time had passed' since the events of the series.
She said: 'Well it felt like we'd never left, it was amazing, I mean it really is a bit like a family'
She said: 'I think so, it's certainly our intention, I haven’t seen it yet but it is for the fans it is for the people who stayed for the show, loved getting to know the characters.
'It's not that much farther forward, we're at the same milieu, the house hasn't changed much. I felt like no time has passed.'
Geraldine James will star as Queen Mary while Simon Jones will portray King George V.
The first trailer for the film was released on Tuesday, giving fans their first glimpse at what they can expect.
She added: 'We've been through so much together and you just slot right back in, all the old dynamics just resume and we march on'
The trailer opens with Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) asking his mother the Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith) if she wants to stay for dinner, remarking 'it's a buffet.'
The family matriarch is unsure though, exclaiming 'well I'm not changed,' only to be told she just needs to take off her hat for such a low-key occasion. 'You talk as if that were easy.' she quips.
As the words 'They live like royalty but are they ready for the real thing?' flash up on screen, Lord Grantham is seen getting important post, revealing to his family 'Heavens, the King and Queen are coming to stay,' while his mother predicts 'here we go.'
It's a flurry of activity as both upstairs and downstairs prepare for the regal visit. 'A royal luncheon, a parade and a dinner? I'm going to have to sit down,' declares cook Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol).
Story: The film is set in 1927 and features a visit to Downton Abbey by King George V and Queen Mary
Interview: Elizabeth chatted with Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby about the upcoming feature
The film's new faces feature in the trailer as Killing Eve and Four Weddings star David Haig makes his first appearance as the King's butler, paying an advance visit to check things are in order.
He is seen clashing with Mrs Hughes (Phyllis Logan) while a new French chef riles up Mrs Patmore.
The theme of change rings through the trailer as Lady Mary is seen questioning if the household will survive a new era. 'The last few days have made me think. What are we doing? Should we really go on with it?' she laments.
The much loved period drama, written by Julian Fellowes, ran for six series between 2010 and 2015 and won several accolades including Emmys and Golden Globes.
Back in action: Elizabeth told how she felt like 'no time had passed' since the events of the series
TV: The much loved period drama, written by Julian Fellowes, ran for six series between 2010 and 2015 and won several accolades including Emmys and Golden Globes
Downton Abbey's Christmas 2015 series finale wrapped up with the bombshell that Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) was pregnant with her second husband Harry Talbot's child.
Other stars set to reprise their roles for the movie include Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Rob James-Collier, Phyllis Logan and Sophie McShera.
There is one notable face missing as Lily James has confirmed that she won't be returning to her role as Rose, telling People magazine: 'My character Rose moved off to New York, so it would be far-fetched to bring her back.
'I would have loved to have come back for a scene, but for a movie, it can’t be like a Christmas special and it needs to be a focused storyline. There was simply no space for Rose.'
The film is set for a European release on September 13, 2019, and US release on September 20, 2019.
Movie: The film is set for a European release on September 13, 2019, and US release on September 20, 2019
