56 h. ago From Maggie Smith in Downton to Mr Blobby: 20 characters so brilliant they made bad TV shows good

These cult heroes outshone everyone else on screen. Say hello to the television stars whose excellence turned humdrum shows into essential viewingEver find yourself loving a specific character on TV but slightly ambivalent about the show they’re in? Sadly, it happens. Sometimes a scene-stealer finds themselves stranded in a series that doesn’t deserve their brilliance.We’ve cogitated, consulted the archives and compiled a list of fictional creations who were arguably too good for their own shows. Consider it a counterpoint to our recent list of characters so bad that they ruined shows. Here are 20 great characters in vehicles that weren’t worthy. Continue reading...

Culture

1 week ago Downton Abbey star addresses 'alternate endings' after final Maggie Smith scene

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale saw the hit period drama come to an end with a tribute to Dame Maggie Smith.

Culture

1 week ago Downton Abbey star reveals 'alternate endings' for final film

The beloved franchise came to an end with a third and final film.

Politics

1 week ago Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens sparks split rumours as he ditches wedding ring and hasn't been pictured with wife for SEVEN YEARS

The actor, who was best known for playing Matthew Crawley in the period drama, is currently busy promoting his latest film Swiped alongside Lily James .

Politics

2 w. ago ‘Downton Abbey’ star Michelle Dockery shows off her stylish London townhouse—and it’s nothing like Highclere Castle

‘Downton Abbey’ star Michelle Dockery shows off her stylish London townhouse—and it’s nothing like Highclere Castle  MarketWatch

Politics

3 w. ago Downton Abbey's former star admits being 'choked up' watching final trailer

After the final film was released in UK cinemas, a Downton Abbey star spoke about the special memories of working on the show and said she "can't wait to watch" the movie.

Politics

3 w. ago Downton Abbey star 'held back tears' watching trailer for final film 10 years after exit

Actress Lily James played Lady Rose Aldridge in ITV's Downton Abbey for three years before leaving the role in 2015

Culture

3 w. ago 'Downton Abbey' Star Michelle Dockery Shows Off Trendy London Townhouse—and It's a World Away From the Crawley Estate

'Downton Abbey' Star Michelle Dockery Shows Off Trendy London Townhouse—and It's a World Away From the Crawley Estate  Realtor.com

Politics

3 w. ago Downton Abbey star Phyllis Logan reveals bizarre encounter with 'mad' fan

Phyllis Logan has recalled an encounter with a 'mad' Downton Abbey fan, who revealed she had had herself tattooed with a key prop from the period drama

Politics

3 w. ago Loose Women's Coleen Nolan jokes 'it got me thrown out' amid interview with Downton Abbey star

The panellist was tasked with interviewing actress Phyllis Logan as viewers wait for the final Downton Abbey film

Politics

3 w. ago Downton Abbey star’s ‘gripping’ new psychological drama has viewers ‘hooked’

The tense thriller is a six-part series that will soon be available to stream in the UK.

Events

3 w. ago Downton Abbey star Allen Leech teases possible prequel exploring the younger years of Dame Maggie Smith's character Violet Crawley

Downton Abbey star Allen Leech has teased that the beloved period drama could return with a prequel exploring the backstory of the late Dame Maggie Smith's iconic character, Violet Crawley. 

Politics

3 w. ago Who is Michelle Dockery’s husband? Meet Downton Abbey actress’ partner Jasper Waller

Downton Abbey fans are curious about the Lady Mary star's partner

Culture

3 w. ago Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery 'not posh' in real life as she reveals very first job

Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery has insisted that she is 'not posh' in real life, even though she is known to millions as Lady Mary Crawley on the hit period drama

Politics

3 w. ago Downton Abbey Mrs Patmore star Lesley Nicol admits cast divide as she gushes over one bond

Downton Abbey's Mrs Patmore actress Lesley Nicol has opened up about her bonds within the show and movie franchise's cast and admitted there are some stars she doesn't know as well

Politics

4 w. ago Midsomer Murders star’s ‘jewel’ of a period drama ‘on par’ with Downton Abbey is unmissable

Fans of period pieces need to watch this series

Events

4 w. ago Downton Abbey star admits she 'never spoke a word' to Dame Maggie Smith

Lesley Nicol appeared on This Morning to discuss all things Downton Abbey ahead of the release of the third and final film later this month

Politics

4 w. ago Downton Abbey star didn't speak to Maggie Smith for 'months' while filming for sad reason

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is set to be released in cinema next week, as Lesley Nicol took spilled all on the cast of the hit show Friday's This Morning

Politics

4 w. ago Downton Abbey star and Coronation Street actress in 'scandalous' Channel 5 period drama

The Forsytes, a six-part series, is based on the novels of John Galsworthy and comes after a 1967 adaptation on the BBC, The Forsyte Saga

Events

4 w. ago Hugh Bonneville 'panics' ITV interviewer by interrupting question with Gaza speech live on air

Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville left an ITV reporter red-faced after halting an interview on the film's red carpet to speak about the "absolutely indefensible" situation in Gaza

Society