The executive producer of Downton Abbey has promised that the show’s final season is “very strong”.

A press launch for Season 6 took place today at the May Fair hotel in London.

Gareth Neame commented: “I think the final season is very strong and I believe the fans of the show around the world will be happy and satisfied with what happens to our characters.”

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes added: “The characters have been so real to me for six years. So I do think you have a little sadness. You do feel rather sorry to say goodbye to these people because I’ve enjoyed the creation. I’m sorry to see them go. I’m very unlikely to be involved in anything that is as successful again and so, of course, I say goodbye to these golden years with a slight pang. But it seems the right time to go while we’re still firing.”

ITV officially announced in March that period drama would end after its sixth season. The last ever episode will air on Christmas Day on ITV, following eight episodes this autumn.

> Buy Season 5 on DVD on Amazon.

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