Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 26, 2025 · Entertainment

Unveiling Anger Behind Downton's Mastermind: Julian Fellowes' Untold Story

Veteran actress Susan Hampshire offers an intriguing insight into the driving force behind Downton Abbey creator Lord Fellowes

SHOCKING REVELATIONS!

Downton Abbey's Creator Lord Fellowes' Secret Anger Revealed

It's a tale of intrigue, drama, and behind-the-scenes secrets from one of television's most beloved creators, Julian Fellowes. The mastermind behind the hit series Downton Abbey has been keeping a secret for years, but it's finally out in the open - and it's got us all talking!

She has claimed that the writer is 'very angry' that he was never able to make a career as a film star (pictured in September 2019)

According to none other than veteran actress Susan Hampshire, who starred alongside Fellowes in Monarch Of The Glen, his anger issues were the driving force behind his most iconic creation. Hampshire, now 88, revealed that Fellowes was "very angry" when he wasn't chosen for a part in the hit TV drama The Forsyte Saga - where she herself starred in the late 1960s.

But what's even more shocking is that this anger fueled Fellowes' creativity! As Hampshire explained: "When he was doing Monarch Of The Glen, he was writing Gosford Park and he was very, very, very angry that he wasn't in The Forsyte Saga... But he loved Coronation Street and he was inspired by The Forsyte Saga – and he managed to write a combination of Coronation Street and The Forsyte Saga and that was Downton Abbey."

It seems Fellowes' anger issues have been well-documented, but we never knew it played such a significant role in the creation of his masterpiece. Hampshire even went on to say: "He's a very clever, brilliant man, but he knows it and he can have big rows with people if things are not going right. But he also cries so well on screen and in real life."

The 12th Duke of Northumberland likes to play table tennis in the grand setting of the salon at Alnwick Castle, the set of the Harry Potter films (pictured)

But don't worry, Fellowes has long since put his anger issues behind him - or at least that's what we're told! Hampshire added: "I just pray to God that he's at least happy now and all his envy and anger has gone because he's so successful and so rich and he's got every award under the sun."

From Behind the Scenes to Center Stage

Fellowes' journey from behind the scenes to center stage is a fascinating one. As Hampshire mused: "He probably wanted to be a film star – we all have dreams, don't we? But he's more famous than any film star now. People will watch Downton for ever."

Simon pegg took to the decks for Blur bassist Alex James's Cotswold farm bash, The Big Feastival (pictured)

But it seems Fellowes isn't the only one with secrets - and scandals! Let's move on to some juicy gossip about his peers...

The 12th Duke of Northumberland: A New Hobby

Who says royalty can't have fun? The 12th Duke of Northumberland has traded in his royal duties for a new hobby - table tennis! According to sources, the duke has set up a ping-pong table in his grand salon at Alnwick Castle.

Carys Douglas, 22, is making her bid to have her voice heard after she posted a clip of her singing an original song to Instagram (pictured)

A member of the castle staff revealed: "This was once a music room where music would have been performed to visitors, but now the duke has a ping-pong table in here." Who knew royalty had such a playful side?

Dad DJing?

It seems Simon Pegg and his daughter Tilly are quite the duo! The actor-turned-DJ combo took to the decks at Blur bassist Alex James's Cotswold farm bash, The Big Feastival. Guests included none other than Jeremy Clarkson - who's probably still shaking his head about the impromptu dance party.

Child actor Alastair Stout, (pictured) who plays the ginger-haired wizard in the forthcoming HBO series, will keep his northern accent as Weasley

Zeta's Girl Takes Center Stage

Catherine Zeta-Jones is no stranger to the spotlight, but her daughter Carys Douglas is making waves of her own! The 22-year-old showcased her soulful singing talents in an online video, much to the delight of her mother, who posted a love heart in the comments section.

Northern Accent Alert!

Jameela Jamil has played a key role in the court of Meghan Markle, publicly defending the Duchess of Sussex against her critics but she recently hit out at Serena Williams (pictured in May)

Harry Potter fans, take note! Alastair Stout, the young actor set to play Ron Weasley in the HBO series, will be keeping his Northern accent intact. According to insiders: "Ron will have a Mancunian accent in the new Harry Potter reboot as the idea is to reflect his down-to-earth roots." Mad fer it!

Jameela Jamil vs Meghan Markle's BFF?

Jameela Jamil, the outspoken actress and TV presenter who publicly defended Meghan Markle against her critics, has taken aim at Serena Williams - a close friend of the Duchess of Sussex. Williams recently endorsed the weight-loss drug GLP-1, which Jameila snipes is "a price only accessible to celebrities."

Could Jameela be next on Meghan's hit list? Only time will tell...

[This article was originally published on The Scholarly Note.