Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey has been voted the best TV show of the past 10 years.

Freeview research found that the ITV1 period drama was the favourite show with viewers, followed by E4 comedy The Inbetweeners.

Sherlock placed third followed by The Apprentice and The X Factor.

Come Dine With Me was in sixth place, with Gavin & Stacey following in seventh.

Ilse Howling, MD of Freeview, said: “From Downton to Dragon’s Den, Sherlock to Shameless, the last ten years have been a golden era for TV viewers. Now that Digital Switchover has completed, the whole country can receive Freeview and Freeview HD which means universal access to the most-watched TV shows without the need for a subscription. Continue reading »

There are just two episodes left of this series of Downton Abbey to look forward to, although – phew – there is of course the Christmas special ahead!

However, today, we have new episode descriptions, pictures and a promo clip for you from episodes 7 and 8, so here you go…

Episode: 7 of 8
Sunday, 28 October 2012, 9:00PM – 10:00PM
Drama

It’s a happy day for Downton as Anna’s patience is rewarded.

Edith receives admiration from an unexpected quarter… Continue reading »

Last week’s super dramatic episode of Downton Abbey was a real tearjerker as poor Sybil died soon after giving birth to her baby daughter…

And there are apparently lots more shocks to come, including finding out if John Bates actually is capable of murder!

However, whether he is or isn’t, it looks like he’s about to be set free from prison. Yay!

Here’s the official description for next Sunday’s episode, which is the sixth of the series, followed by a promo clip, and then the synopsis for episode seven…

Episode: 6 of 8
Sunday, 21 October 2012, 9:00PM – 10:00PM
Drama

Tempers fray as Isobel’s kind gesture backfires… Continue reading »

Sunday, 21 October 2012, 9:00PM – 10:00PM

Tempers fray as Isobel’s kind gesture backfires.

Branson’s decisions are put under scrutiny, but Mary fights his corner.

Robert and Cora’s relationship suffers, can Violet make them see things differently?

As Bates’s chance of freedom slips away he goes to extreme lengths.

Sunday, 14 October 2012, 9:00PM – 10:00PM

An exciting offer for Edith divides opinion.

Isobel throws Ethel a lifeline.

New maid Ivy is attracting attention below stairs, and Alfred’s interest in particular is resented by Daisy.

Anna’s perseverance finally pays off. Matthew’s concerns about the estate grow but are his protests falling on deaf ears?

Downton Abbey dominated the screen last night, posting big numbers from 9pm.

Last night’s episode drew 9.66m (36.9%) on ITV1, with a further 325k watching on +1.

The third episode of the season was also up 1.2m week-on-week, after dipping slightly last weekend.

Meanwhile, The X Factor drew 9.46m for the final 12 selection in the 8pm hour. Continue reading »

Sunday, 7 October 2012, 9:00PM – 10:00PM

Branson’s political views land him in hot water, and Sybil’s loyalty is tested to the limit.

Ethel is torn between head and heart as she makes a difficult decision about her son’s future.

Anna is dispirited at Bates’s silence, what could be the cause?

Carson begins recruiting a footman, and good-looking candidate Jimmy sparks immediate interest below stairs.

Dame Maggie Smith and Damian Lewis flew the flag for the UK at the 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards last night.

Smith claimed the Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series prize for her role in Downton Abbey as the grand Dowager Countess of Grantham, beating out competition from the likes of Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks, The Good Wife’s Christine Baranski and fellow Downton Abbey cast-mate Joanna Froggatt.

Damian Lewis was the recipient of the Outstanding Actor In A Drama Series prize for his role as a US soldier in Homeland.
Lewis faced stiff competition in the form of Boardwalk Empire’s Steve Buscemi, Mad Men’s Jon Hamm and fellow Brit Hugh Bonneville from Downton Abbey. Continue reading »

Sunday, 30 September 2012, 9:00PM – 10:05PM

Edith’s big day finally arrives. Will her enthusiasm finally convince
the family that Strallan’s age does not matter?

It’s the end of the line for Downton’s finances and Mary takes matters into her own hands, but the personal price could be high.

Mrs Hughes anxiously awaits her results and Anna makes a breakthrough to help Bates. Is O’Brien moving on?

Sunday, 23 September 2012, 9:00PM – 10:05PM

The future of Downton hangs precariously in the balance. In the hope of financial rescue from her American grandmother Mary and Violet conspire to make sure Downton puts on a bigger show than ever before with a grand party for friends and neighbours. Mrs Hughes faces some worrying personal news, and O’Brien’s efforts to accelerate Alfred’s progress rankle with Thomas.