‘Downton Abbey’ season 6 spoilers: Latest on Maggie Smith situation

Is Maggie Smith really planning to leave “Downton Abbey“? While it may have seemed that way at first, now may be the time to pump the brakes on that a little bit.

Earlier this week, a statement from the acting legend to a British publication was interpreted as her saying that she was for sure leaving the ITV series after five seasons. We never necessarily thought that this is what she was saying. Instead, we viewed it more as her being candid about the fact that this is not a show that can last forever, and there would be some sort of natural end coming to the series eventually.

Now, a representative for the actress has made these comments even clearer. Just take a look at the brief statement given to The Wrap this week:

“[Maggie] has always been on the record as saying she’ll be with the show for as long as the show runs.”

Ultimately, we feel like Smith and most of the actors at this point do know that the days for the series are numbered in the first place, and that season 6 could very well be the end, anyway. The only reason that there are always more questions about Maggie’s future is simply because she is older and an entertainment icon; because of that, she’s always signed contracts year-to-year, and is cognizant of the fact that there is only so long that the series and her character of the Dowager Countess Violet can exist within this world.

The sixth season will be filming throughout the months ahead, and as we get closer to it premiering on ITV this fall, we will likely find out some further insight into its future.

For now, be sure to head over here to have some further TV news sent to you courtesy of our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ITV.)