The Downton Abbey cast have swopped the luxury of Highclere Castle for the freezing temperatures of New York City, where they are currently promoting the hit show's third season.The cast were out in force on Monday night as they attended an evening of cocktails and a screening of Season three hosted by Ralph Lauren & Graydon Carter. The main ladies from the period drama made all the efforts to make it a fashionable night by dazzling in Ralph Lauren LBD's.
Michelle Dockery, who plays Lady Mary, chose a black embroidered one-shoulder dress with Ralph Lauren pumps. Elizabeth McGovern, who plays the Countess of Grantham, also opted for a black number but added a splash of colour to her outfit with a purple clutch and matching shoes. Joanne Froggatt, who plays maid Anna, on the other hand donned a bright pink silk sleeveless dress teamed up with silver accessories.The ladies were accompanied by the some of the show's male stars, such as Hugh Bonneville, Rob James-Collier and Jim Carter, who looked dapper in elegant suits.
The stars have had a busy week since their arrival in the States. The whistle-stop tour has seen them attend a premiere party, a screening, panel discussions and a basketball in New York's Madison Square Garden. Dressed casually in jeans and jumpers, Hugh Bonneville and his co-stars watched the New York Knicks take on Denver Nuggets and seemed excited as they were photographed with New York Knicks player Amare Stoudemire.
The actors have been keeping their fans updated on their adventures across the pond. Hugh posted a funny picture of the cast posing for an informal group shot under a New York subway "Downtown" sign with the "w" covered to spell Downton.Their trip to America comes just weeks before the Downton Abbey Christmas Special airs on December 25 at 9pm on ITV1. A teaser trailer was released this week showing Lord and Lady Grantham and family leaving Highclere Castle behind to head for the Highlands of Scotland, leaving most of their servants at home. Executive producer Gareth Neame said: "While the cat's away, the mice will play. The Granthams do not live at Downton Abbey 12 months of the year. They would go to London for the summer season and also go away on holidays like this. "And when that happens the domestic staff of Downton would remain. What will they get up to while the family is away?"