Hugh Bonneville teases Downton Abbey future and Paddington exit
No more dawn calls at Downton, and no more splits with Paddington
Last updated 9th Feb 2026
Hugh Bonneville has confirmed his future on Downton Abbey and the Paddington movies during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show (7th January 2026).
The actor, best known for playing Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, on the hit ITV period drama, joined Jonathan Ross and his celebrity guests for a lively chat; and even joked that fans might have to wait until 2060 to see Downton Abbey return.
Hugh first stepped into the role of Lord Grantham when the ITV series launched in 2010. The show’s six-season run ended with a festive finale in 2015, followed by three feature films in 2019, 2022 and 2025. Each film chronicled a new chapter for the Crawley family and their devoted downstairs staff.
And now, the man behind Lord Grantham has spoken about Downton’s lasting legacy and what the future holds for the iconic series.
Will Hugh Bonneville return to Downton Abbey?
Speaking to Jonathan Ross, Hugh reflected on the show’s immense success and hinted that a return to Downton in its original form isn’t on the cards. “Certainly not with our cast,” he said. “But the castle still stands, so who knows? Maybe there’ll be one set in 2060?”
He revealed that no one involved expected the period drama to last. “Period dramas were dead, we were told. You never know how it’s going to turn out. We ended up doing 52 episodes and three films over 15 years,” he added.
Calling the final film “a nice farewell,” Hugh signalled that the beloved series has bowed out gracefully.
Though grateful for the show’s enduring popularity, Hugh admitted he doesn’t miss the long shoots at Hampshire’s Highclere Castle. “I have huge love for the show, for the people and for its legacy,” he said. “But I’m very happy not having to get up that early in the morning and go to windy Highclere Castle.”
The actor also shared that fans sometimes struggle to separate him from his character — including one notable encounter on The View, where host Barbara Walters reprimanded him for wearing jeans, insisting that “Lord Grantham shouldn’t wear jeans.”
Will Hugh return to Paddington?
Hugh also confirmed he won’t return as Mr Brown in the next Paddington film. “I think I should put this in context – I’m just too blooming old,” he joked.
“I can’t do the splits anymore like I did in the second film. Never say never. If Mr Brown comes back in a bath chair, I could be available.”
Despite stepping away, he remains fond of the bear who won over audiences worldwide. Touring schools to promote his children’s book, he revealed: “The first question is always, ‘Where’s Paddington?’ I say, ‘He’s at home at 32 Windsor Gardens. It’s marmalade day today; otherwise, he’d be here.’”
What’s next for Hugh?
Hugh is confirmed to join the cast of The Gentlemen Season 2 on Netflix. He's part of the new cast for the second season of Guy Ritchie's crime drama, which began production in 2025 and is scheduled for release in early 2026.
While on the show, Hugh joked that he “can’t possibly talk” about appearing in the next series of the hit crime drama, which stars Theo James.
Hugh told the Jonathan: “Guy is a proper multi-tasker as a director.
“He’s the only director I’ve worked with who is literally like, the cameras are running, and Theo was in the shot and he was carving a bit of ham to give to his dog at the same time.”
In March 2026, he will also appear on stage at the Aldwych Theatre to play CS Lewis in the West End production of Shadowlands.
Check out these Top 10 British TV shows:
10) Fleabag
Written by the brilliant Phoebe Waller-Bridge, comedy-drama Fleabag is made up of two series. The hit show was adapted by Phoebe from her 2013 Edinburgh Festival Fringe one-woman play of the same name. The show first hit the BBC in July 2016, with the final episode airing in April 2019.
9) Downton Abbey
As well as having two hit movies and a third on the way, Downton Abbey started off as a popular historical drama series set in the early 20th century. The show was created by Julian Fellowes and is made-up of six series, with 52 episodes in total. Series one first aired in September 2010, with the final ever episode hitting our screens in November 2015. There were also a number of Christmas specials.
8) Doctor Who
It's been on our screens since 1963, so it's no shock to see science fiction series Doctor Who make the list. Now onto its 15th doctor, in the form of Ncuti Gatwa, the show still remains popular to this day, with the next series expected to air on BBC One in 2025.
7) The Crown
Despite being controversial, Netflix series The Crown has been incredibly popular since it first landed on the streaming platform back in 2016. Telling the story of the Monarchy through the years, from the reign of Queen Elizabeth II up until 2005, the show is made up of six series, with 60 episodes in total. Although fans have been crying out for producers to create more series, to portray the events closer to the present day, it looks like no more will be made.
6) Sex Education
It may have only started in 2019, but Netflix series Sex Education has amassed a huge following since. Starring the likes of Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson and Emma Mackey, the teen comedy drama is made up of four series in total. Bosses have already confirmed a fifth series isn't on the cards, but it will sure go down in history as being a great TV series by Netflix.
5) Ted Lasso
It's one of the most popular series in recent years, with football coach Ted Lasso captivating the nation. Starring Jason Sudeikis and Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso, which airs on Apple TV, follows Ted as he coaches AFC Richmond in the English Premier League, despite having no previous coaching experience. The show is made up of three series, with a fourth reportedly now in the works.
4) Black Mirror
Created by Charlie Brooker, anthology series Black Mirror first aired on Channel 4, before making its move to streaming platform Netflix in 2016. Series one of the show first aired in December 2011, with the sixth series airing in June 2023, featuring six brand new episodes. It's now been announced a seventh series is will air in 2025, which will feature a sequel to series four episode USS Callister.
3) Peaky Blinders
Perhaps one of the most recognisable British TV series ever created, Steven Knight's Peaky Blinders is a firm favourite with TV fans. Made up of six series, the show stars the likes of Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, and Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby Jr. Despite fans calling out for more series, Steven has now confirmed the seventh instalment has been turned into a movie, which will be out in 2025.
2) Sherlock
Airing between 2010-2017, BBC crime drama Sherlock made it to number two on the list! Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Doctor John Watson, the show consists of the team solving mysteries in modern-day London. Sherlock is made up of four series, with 13 episodes in total.
1) Game of Thrones
It's one of the most-talked about series ever made, despite THAT ending, so it's no surprise Game of Thrones has topped the list! Featuring a star-studded cast including the likes of Sean Bean, Kit Harington, Alfie Allen, Sophie Turner, Richard Madden, Rose Leslie and Maisie Williams to name a few, the HBO fantasy drama was adapted into a series from George R. R. Martin novels. The show is made up of eight series in total, featuring 73 episodes. The final ever episode aired in May 2019, but many people have binged the entire series numerous times.
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