Is Michelle Dockery really leaving 'Downton Abbey'?

By Cindy Clark

Could you imagine Highclere Castle without Lady Mary?

Neither can we!

But there’s nothing to fear, because she will be back when Downton Abbey returns for its fifth season. Michelle Dockery sets the record straight:

“It amuses me more than anything, because it’s all speculation, and I think it’s down to fact the show has such a popularity,” she tellsThe Hollywood Reporter. “But no, I’m here till the end, whenever that may be.”

Here are some more interesting tidbits:

How the cast keeps occupied throughout 11-hour days on set

“Playing Wink Murder — that helps at dining room table scenes,” says Dockery, citing the popular English whodunit parlor game. “There’s also the movie game. Someone names a film and you name an actor in that film, and it passes on. It’s great fun when we’re all here together.”

Branson was only supposed to be in three episodes

“I only signed up for three episodes,” says actor Allen Leech who plays Tom Branson. “When I finished the job, I wondered whether he’d be brought back. But he grew in season two and again in season three, because of Sybil’s death.”

Cell service at Highclere? It’s not good.

“I’m trying to order …read more

Source: USA Today Entertainment