Hugh Bonneville explains why he does not miss Downton Abbey
Hugh Bonneville does not miss the early morning starts for Downton Abbey.
Hugh Bonneville doesn’t miss Downton Abbey because he never liked getting up early.
The 62-year-old actor portrayed the Earl of Grantham for 15 years, ending his run in 2025’s Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, but Hugh has insisted he is content to leave the Crawley estate behind.
When asked whether he missed Downton Abbey while appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show, he said: “No, I don’t. I have huge love for the show, I have huge love for the people and for its legacy, but I’m very happy not having to get up that early in the morning and go to windy Highclere Castle.”
The ITV period drama first aired in 2010 and became a global phenomenon, running for six series and spawning three films.
Despite its enduring popularity, Hugh suggested any future revival would look very different.
He said: “Certainly not with our cast. But the castle still stands, so who knows? Maybe there’ll be one set in 2060?
“None of us thought it would last beyond the seven episodes that were originally commissioned. Period dramas were dead, we were told.
“You never know how it’s going to turn out. We ended up doing whatever it was, 52 episodes and three films over 15 years.”
Hugh added the final instalment Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale offered him closure.
He said of the 2025 film: “It was a nice farewell.”
The actor has also recently stepped back from another beloved role, Mr. Brown in the Paddington franchise.
Explaining his exit, he said: “It’s a younger man’s job, but you can get other actors in and it will work just as well, because it’s all about the bear.”
Clarifying his comments, he joked: “I think I should put this in context, I’m just too blooming old. 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.”
While Hugh may be closing the door on some familiar characters, he is far from slowing down.
Last year, he joined the cast of the second series of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix drama The Gentlemen, which is set for release in 2026.
While Hugh has become known for playing wholesome figures, he is expected to take on a more crooked role in the gangster thriller.
