Fans have been clambouring for a big screen outing for Downton Abbey since it wrapped up in 2015, but making that a reality has proven to be more trouble than expected.

Joanne Froggatt has been talking about the much discussed feature-length sequel to Downton while doing press for her new show, Liar, and told Radio Times:

“It’s been tricky. There has been a lot of goodwill from all of us, but logistically, it’s a bit of a minefield. It’s very difficult to get 22 actors together. But if we can, everyone would like to do it.”

Earlier this year, the film looked like it was ready to go, with a production source declaring that “the financing ducks are being lined up very nicely”. When it comes to getting the ensemble cast together, however, things might not be that easy.

Creator Julian Fellowes previously explained the reasons behind the delay: “The thing about Downton is we have a lot of running characters and we really do need them for the movie, so you can imagine at the end of the show they all shot off into shows on Broadway, series in LA, things on television… and they somehow have to gradually be coaxed back into the fold.”