‘Downton Abbey’ season 5: George Clooney to appear on show-themed charity special

Some media outlets out there are being very cruel with their reporting of their George Clooney – “Downton Abbey” stories, giving the impression in the titles that the actor is actually going to be making some sort of guest appearance on the hit drama.

However, that is not actually the case here at all. Instead, ITV has confirmed that George has filmed scenes on the set of the show, but they are for a “Downton Abbey” sketch to air for the ITV charity Text Santa during the holiday season. Clooney has a good relationship already with series star Hugh Bonneville (Robert), as the two worked together on the movie “The Monuments Men.”

As for why the headlines out there were so believable in the first place, we tie it to it not being that far out of the realm of possibility that Clooney could appear here. After all, just remember the fact that the show has brought on Shirley MacLaine and Paul Giamatti in the past, and while neither is on Clooney’s level currently, MacLaine was at one time and they are both extremely accomplished. Also, the friendship factor could have loomed large here.

Overall, it is still nice to see George showing off his charitable side, and doing what he can to help a very good cause in the United Kingdom. It also makes sense on a personal level, given that Clooney’s fiancee in Amal Alamuddin has British roots.

The new season, or series, of “Downton Abbey” premieres in Britain on Sunday, September 21. Meanwhile, it will return to America in January.

For some further news right now, just be sure to head on over to the link here. Also, you can sign up today to get some further insight into all we cover every week via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: ITV