Popular period drama Downton Abbey will return for a fifth series next year, it has been confirmed.
The announcement was made by show bosses following the conclusion of the fourth season on ITV at the weekend.
Gareth Neame, managing director of Carnival Films which produces the show, said: “We promise all the usual highs and lows, romance, drama and comedy played out by some of the most iconic characters on television.
“All the actors and makers of the show continue to be humbled by the extraordinary audience response and want to take the show from strength to strength next year.”
Despite the controversy surrounding the rape storyline in the latest series,
Downton was still the highest rated drama on television this year and will be back on Christmas Day with a two-hour feature episode.
Downton Abbey had a very successful fourth season.