‘Downton Abbey’ season 6 official; great news for Michelle Dockery, Allen Leech, cast?

With the season 5 finale of “Downton Abbey” airing on ITV Sunday night, apparently the network wanted to ensure that there was virtually zero doubt on the future of their highly-rated program.

In a statement today, it was confirmed that the show has been renewed for a sixth season, which will almost surely be comprised of eight all-new episodes as well as another Christmas Special. This is, after all, something that the show has done for every season since the second one.

Here is what show executive producer Gareth Neame had to say in a new statement:

“We have had an amazing reaction to the story lines, acting and production values of Downton Abbey this year and the whole team is thrilled to be moving ahead with a new season of the show. This will provide audiences with a fresh opportunity to see what will befall our much loved characters.”

Now, we have to wonder this: Should season 6 be the final year of the show? We wonder, since you don’t want to risk too much turmoil. (Warning: SPOILERS ahead for American viewers.) It has been rumored that Lily James (Rose) will leave after season 5, and the story is setting up so that this can be possible. Meanwhile, you also have to worry about the fate of Allen Leech, given that Tom Branson has debated whether or not he wants to move with Sybbie to America.

While Michelle Dockery (Mary) has said that she will never leave the series, we’d also be concerned about Maggie Smith (Violet) saying eventually that it is time to move on. We’d say that season 6 should be the last, mostly because you want to keep your cast intact, but also go out a champion and leave the viewers wanting more.

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