Ahead of the Downton Abbey sequel, fan favourites Michelle Dockery and Laura Carmichael have teased new details of their characters.
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Michelle, 40, plays the eldest Grantham child Lady Mary, while Laura, 35, plays younger sister Lady Edith. Over the series, the two on-screen sisters have had their fair share of ups and downs together - including their turbulent sibling relationship.
WATCH: Michelle Dockery discusses relationship with on-screen sister Laura Carmichael
In a new interview, which was released on the official Downton Abbey Instagram page, the pair came together as they teased a new era for the two sisters.
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"[They were] living in the same house like they did for so many years," explained Michelle. "It wasn't really helping their relationship. I think now they are living apart, it has actually helped them to grow."
Agreeing, Laura added: "That's it, they're not competing with each other. Like, 'Who is the most important person in the dining room?' The new film is a bit of a new chapter for them both. They've both grown up a bit, they've had their children, they've met their men so they are softer."
Downton Abbey the sequel is coming to the big screen soon
Michelle then remarked: "They've also been through their fair share of loss, haven't they? I think it helped them to sort of grow up. But and occasionally, there's like witty banter."
The second movie for the beloved period drama, titled Downton Abbey: A New Era, will see the likes of Dominic West, Laura Haddock and Hugh Dancy join the main cast as guest stars.
MORE: Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery lands exciting new role - details
Dominic will play a 1920s Hollywood actor who is at Downton to shoot his new movie. White Lines and Guardians of the Galaxy star Laura will play a fellow silent screen star, while Hannibal actor Hugh Dancy will portray the fictional film's director.
The follow-up to the hugely successful 2019 movie adaption of Downton Abbey was originally planned for Christmas 2021 - however, delays in production have forced the date to be set back by three months.
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