Despite this, the first film went ahead though the writers gave Dame Maggie an out with the mention of the Dowager’s illness.

Dame Maggie herself has talked of the Dowager’s advanced years, saying when the TV series was still going: “To my knowledge my character must be 110 by now.”

“I felt very old indeed by the time I got to the Dowager. I’m honestly just surprised that I got through it and I’m still here.”

As well as that, some other Downton characters who have previously been written out could come back, such as Lily James’ Rose.

While it is unlikely Matthew or Cybil Crawley will return, given their on-screen demises, it could be we will see some old faces return, and hopefully fans will get their fill of the…