‘We have much more fun downstairs than that lot upstairs!’
As we get ready for Downton Abbey to hit the big screen, star Phyllis Logan talks to Nathalie Whittle about the joys of playing housekeeper Mrs Hughes, what really happens on (and off) set and the perks of love later in life.
When the TV series of Downton Abbey ended, I was an emotional wreck. The final scene for my character, Mrs Hughes, and the rest of the downstairs cast was us toasting in the New Year by singing Auld Lang Syne. Well, that got everyone going for a start! But then Jim Carter, who plays my screen husband, Mr Carson, made a speech and, midway through, started tearing up. I looked behind him and saw the crew sobbing: we all lost it after that. I remember going back to my trailer to take my wig off and Lesley Nicol [Mrs Patmore] and Sophie Mcshera [Daisy] were at the bottom of the stairs looking a bit sad. Two minutes later, we were all in a huddle crying again!
Getting to the point where the film is actually happening has been quite a rollercoaster. We’ve all spent the last three years in limbo; waiting for a script, waiting for everyone to be free at the same time. Until I arrived on set and the first pay cheque had gone into my bank account, I didn’t believe it was going to happen!
Coming back together with the cast felt like a school reunion – in the best possible way. We were all invited to do a read-through at a London studio and the atmosphere was incredible. It felt like we were settling back into our family again, as we all caught up on what had been happening in each other’s lives, met the guest stars Imelda Staunton and David Haig, and discussed the film’s storyline.
Any nerves or apprehensions anyone had seemed to disappear.
I’ve been warned not to let the cat out of the bag, but I will tell you that the film revolves around a visit from the King and Queen, which ruffles some feathers.
The royals come with their own entourage, which causes friction between the resident staff of Downton and the newbies. Let’s just say it’s not all welcoming them with open arms and open hearts… there might even be a bit of plotting going on!
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