Hugh Bonneville says Downton Abbey could continue – but it would be a ‘mistake’

Hugh Bonneville has said that he feels Downton Abbey writers could have “squeezed out” one or two more series, but that it would have been a “mistake”.

Bonneville, 51, has played Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham in the ITV period drama since it first aired in 2010, but he recently waved goodbye to the aristocrat as the cast and crew wrapped up filming on what will be the sixth and final series.

Speaking at last night’s Bafta tribute event, Bonneville said: “I think it could have been squeezed out for another couple of series, but I think Julian [Fellowes] would have run out of ideas.

“We’ve been blessed by having a writer who has a fund of stories to play with and these characters that have been fully-formed over the last six years.

“I think to have extended it would have been a mistake.”

He continued: “Always leave the party when you’re sober – I don’t mean sober – I mean don’t be the last to leave the party.”

Bonneville was joined at the celebratory evening at Richmond Theatre by fellow stars of the show – from up and downstairs.

Michelle Dockery – who plays Lady Mary – worked the red carpet with Zac and Oliver Barker, who take it in turns to play her onscreen son Master George.

She was also joined by Joanne Froggat – her ladies maid Anna Bates – who looked stunning in a white floor length gown and said the show went on “4 or 5 years longer than we expected”.

Sophie McShera looked worlds apart from her onscreen alter ego, Daisy Mason and praised Fellowes' decision to wrap the show up while “people still like watching it”.

The series will return this autumn and also air a final Christmas special.