Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 9, 2025 · Entertainment

Violet Crawley's Youth: Downton Abbey Prequel in the Works?

Downton Abbey star Allen Leech has teased that the beloved period drama could return with a prequel exploring the backstory of the late Dame Maggie Smith's iconic character, Violet Crawley (pictured this month)

DOWNTON ABBEY FANS REJOICE: THE GRAND FINALE IS ALMOST HERE, BUT COULD THIS BE JUST THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA FOR THE BELOVED FRANCHISE?

Get ready for a bittersweet goodbye to the Crawley family and their loyal staff as Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale hits cinemas on Friday. But don't be too sad just yet, because it looks like the drama might not be over quite yet.

According to Allen Leech, who plays Tom Branson in the hit period drama, there are plans afoot for either a prequel or a sequel that will take us back in time and explore the backstory of Dame Maggie Smith's iconic character, Violet Crawley. The 96-year-old actress was an integral part of the show, bringing her trademark wit and sophistication to the role.

Speaking on Virgin Radio this week, he revealed: 'From what I hear, the plan is if they¿re going to do anything with it next, they're either going to go back in time and do a prequel of Maggie Smith (pictured) in her younger years'

Speaking on Virgin Radio this week, Leech teased: "I was chatting to the director Simon Curtis over lunch and he said there's a great poignancy about this movie for the fans. It's about letting go... and it's about moving on." Sounds like a recipe for drama, if you ask us!

And what could be more dramatic than revisiting Violet's younger years? The possibilities are endless, from scandalous affairs to high-society shenanigans. Or perhaps they'll take the story forward in time, to the wild 1970s, where the likes of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards might just make an appearance. "Sorry I rang the bell — would you mind rolling this, would you?!" indeed!

Creator Julian Fellowes has hinted that he's open to continuing the story in some form, despite the film's title being The Final Farewell. Could it be that we'll see more of the Crawleys on our screens soon?

He continued: 'Or they¿re going to go Seventies, and all the debauched madness that could happen in the house' (Allen and Michelle Dockery pictured in The Grand Finale)

To celebrate 15 years of Downton Abbey, ITV is releasing a special one-hour documentary, Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale, which will feature conversations with the main cast, including Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Raquel Cassidy, and Michelle Dockery. And for those who can't get enough of behind-the-scenes gossip, don't worry – the special also includes interviews with production designer Donal Woods, costume designer Anna Mary Scott Robbins, and composer John Lunn.

The show originally aired from 2010 to 2015 before the release of the first film in 2019. The sequel Downton Abbey: A New Era followed in 2022, and now we're on the brink of The Grand Finale. Could this be just the beginning of a new era for the beloved franchise?

As fans eagerly await the final installment of the saga, one thing is certain – we'll be saying goodbye to some of our favorite characters soon. But who knows what's in store next? Only time (and Julian Fellowes' clever writing) will tell.

It comes as a new Downton Abbey special is set to hit ITV as the cast celebrate 15 years of the franchise

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE

Don't miss the final chapter of the Downton Abbey saga, which sees the Crawley family and their loyal staff facing shifting social norms, mounting financial pressures, and the unwelcome glare of scandal. At the heart of it all is Lady Mary's sudden divorce, bringing both public disgrace and personal upheaval to the grand halls of Downton.

THE FUTURE IS LOOKING BRIGHT

But while The Grand Finale might be coming to an end, fans can look forward to more Downton Abbey goodness soon. With a prequel or sequel on the horizon, we can expect even more drama, romance, and wit from the beloved franchise.

So grab your tea and get cozy – it's going to be a wild ride!