Downton Abbey star says 'it's a good thing' they won't appear in final film

enthusiasts are bracing for an emotional goodbye as the third and concluding film of the series, titled The Grand Finale, is expected to be released later this year.

Hugh Bonneville, who plays Lord Grantham, has hinted that the upcoming movie will serve as a 'great sign-off' for fans of the beloved period drama, sparking anticipation for one last cinematic journey with cherished characters.

Regrettably, Matthew Goode, known for his role as Henry Talbot, will not be seen in the film.

The actor, who made a fleeting appearance in the 2019 film, cited clashing work schedules and health issues as reasons for his absence from the final two films.

He shared with : "I was unavailable for the second because I was doing The Offer. Then, for the third, I was shooting this (Dept Q).

"But I also buggered my knee, and I had to have an operation. That takes weeks to get over, so I was never going to be able to do it. And let's face it, he was edging towards becoming a bit of a wet lettuce. So maybe it's a good thing."

While fans may miss Matthew's character, The Grand Finale promises a star-studded lineup including Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, and Jim Carter returning to their roles, reports Belfast Live.

The final chapter will also feature Phyllis Logan, Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Dominic West and Sophie McShera, ensuring a grand send-off for the much-adored series.

Actress Joanne Froggatt, known for her role in the beloved series, opened up on The One Show about the final film of the franchise, admitting with a heavy heart: "Oh my goodness, it's going to be hard! We've said goodbye a few times, thinking, 'This is the end', at the end of the seasons."

She continued: "Then we did one movie and we wondered if we'd get a second movie.

"This really is, the third and final, so this really is goodbye. It's going to be emotional, but all good things must come to an end, I suppose."

In a lighter moment during the chat, Joanne revealed a personal twist to her character's storyline, sharing: "There's been pictures out there, so that's one spoiler.I wrote my own storyline there!" due to her real-life pregnancy coinciding with the filming schedule.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is set to be released on 12 September 2025.