Shirley will be back says writer as Downton wins best drama

Julian Fellowes has revealed that Shirley MacLaine is set to return to Downton Abbey.

Filming for the fourth series starts next month and the show’s writer said he was “sure” she will make a return as the acerbic Martha Levinson. He was speaking at the National Television Awards where the show beat Doctor Who and Sherlock to be named best drama. Asked if he was planning to use any actors of 78-year-old MacLaine’s ilk in future, he said: “I don’t think we can really begin to describe the ilk of Shirley MacLaine. Shirley is the ilk. She is unique. She will come back, I’m sure.” Fellowes was joined by cast members Hugh Bonneville, Sophie McShera and Phyllis Logan as they collected the award at the O2 arena ceremony. He said: “It’s weird to be in something that seems to hit the button to the extreme like this has.

“We became an adjective. People say, ‘It’s a bit Downton Abbey’, or, ‘What do you think of so-and-so? He’s a bit Downton’. These references came into the language.”

Joanna Lumley was reduced to tears by her special recognition award. A video montage featured tributes by Absolutely Fabulous co-star Jennifer Saunders, David Cameron and Martin Scorsese. She said backstage: “It’s the most earth-shattering thing to happen to me. I never cry like this.”

Strictly Come Dancing won best talent show. Ant and Dec were named best entertainment presenters while Merlin star Colin Morgan won best actor in a drama. Miranda Hart won best actress in a drama for BBC1’s Call The Midwife. Mrs Brown’s Boys was best sitcom. QI was voted best comedy panel show and Frozen Planet best documentary series. Coronation Street won best serial drama.