allen hugh

Hugh Bonneville shares behind-the-scenes snap with Downton Abbey co-star while filming sequel 

A very happy birthday to Allen Leech!

TV & Film Editor
May 20, 2021

Hugh Bonneville has shared a very sweet behind-the-scenes snap with his co-star Allen Leech while wishing him a happy 40th birthday. Although the pair are currently filming theDownton Abbey film sequel, he shared a post from their days on the TV set of the hit franchise. 

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In the photo, Hugh appears to be helping Allen get ready for his role as Tom Branson, and he captioned the funny snap: "For much of Downton Abbey S5 I had the honour of being Mr Leech’s personal dresser. Happy 40th Birthday, pal. #tb #DowntonAbbey #s5 #bts @nickbriggsphoto." 

WATCH: Are you excited for the Downton Abbey sequel? 

Fans were quick to comment on the post, with one writing: "Can I be the new Irish scullery maid (errr matron)?" Another added: "His Lordship attending to the family‘s former chauffeur... what would Carson say!" A third person commented: "I love the friendship and familiarity that was born between Robert & Tom, and the perfect triad they made with Mary. Forever my favourite TV series!!! Happy 40 Mr Leech."

Hugh wished his co-star a happy birthday

Downton Abbey's official Twitter account confirmed the exciting news that the sequel was in production, in a tweet back in April that read: "We're thrilled to announce that Julian Fellowes and the entire Downton cast are back for #DowntonAbbey2, with Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West joining! See the film in theatres this Christmas." 

MORE: Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville is volunteering at vaccination centre

MORE: Everything we know so far about the Downton Abbey film sequel

The Paddington star also shared a snap of himself next to a poster of the film, writing: "Good to be back. #DowntonAbbey2." 

The pair play Lord Grantham and Branson in the hit franchise

Chatting about the new film on This Morning in late 2020actor Jim Carter said: "The script for a second film is there, we've seen it, it's very funny, and it's got all the same characters in it, all the regular characters." We can't wait! 

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