Viewers were left devastated when much-loved period drama Downton Abbey came to an end on Christmas Day in 2015. But on Thursday's Good Morning Britain, Jim Carter - who played butler Mr Carson - gave fans fresh hope by hinting that the popular show could be making a comeback.
When asked about the possibility of the series being made into a movie, the 68-year-old let slip that the cast have already been asked to clear dates in their diary for filming. He told GMB hosts Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard: "We've been asked to keep ourselves available for dates in the future. But nobody has seen a script."
Jim Carter has revealed the cast of Downton Abbey have been told to keep filming dates "free"
After he was pressed for more information, Jim confessed he's still unsure about the show's future. "We don't know," he replied. "We haven't seen a script, but there's a willingness to do a film. I am sure it will emerge."
Downton Abbey, which also starred Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Joanne Froggatt and Laura Carmichael, appeared on television for six series from 2010-2015. During its run on ITV, the series picked up BAFTA, Golden Globe and SAG awards.
The beloved period drama came to an end on Christmas Day in 2015
Michelle, who played Lady Mary Crawley, recently suggested that the possibility of a movie being made was highly probable. "I think there is potential for a film," she said. "That is something I would wholeheartedly consider, so we will see. It may not be over yet." The actress added to The Telegraph: "The thing that I miss the most are my cast members. But we are all still very close."
Meanwhile, creator Julian Fellowes previously suggested that Downton Abbey could still have "some afterlife". He said: "It wouldn't surprise me if it had some afterlife because it's been such a strong force. But it's definitely finished on television. That's it."