Jim Carter reveals Downton Abbey cast have been told to keep their diaries clear to shoot a FILM of the hit TV show
DOWNTON Abbey star Jim Carter has CONFIRMED the cast has been asked to keep their diary free to shoot a movie of the hit TV show.
The actor, who plays Mr Carson in the ITV programme, gave the biggest hint yet the period drama would hit Hollywood on today's Good Morning Britain.
While he confessed he had not seen a film script, he said: "We've been asked to keep ourselves available for dates in the future."
He added: "But nobody has seen a script."
Breakfast show host Susanna Reid was eager to get the truth on rumours of a Downton film following a flurry of speculation during the past six months.
After asking him outright, Jim told her: "You are a little tinker.
"You're putting me on the spot."
Talking about the prospect of the action hitting Hollywood, he played it vague and said: "We don't know.
"We haven't seen a script but there's a willingness to do a film."
Jim, 68, then insisted he was sure a plotline for a film was in writer and creator Julian Fellowes' head and quipped: "It's in there somewhere.
"I am sure it will emerge."
Clearly feeling on the back foot during the conversation, he added Susanna and co-host Ben Shephard were giving him the "third degree" about the speculation.
Presenter Ben in particular was thrilled by the news.
He immediately took to his Twitter to write: "Hold up! fans Jim Carter aka Mr Carson confirms on they've been asked to clear dates for the film ."
The British-based drama details the life of the Crawley family and their servants as they live in the swish Georgian mansion.
The first series was set in 1912, after the tragedy of the Titanic, which jeopardises the future of the estate.
Writer and creator, Julian Fellowes, has previously admitted he would "love" to make a Downton blockbuster movie.
He told the same show: "As far as I am concerned, I am completely up for it."
"Most of the cast are up for it."
Meanwhile actress Joanne Froggatt, who has played lady's maid Anna Bates in the show since 2010, was equally enthusiastic.
She gushed: "I am 98% per cent sure it will happen.
"I am pretty confident we will do it."
related stories
Rumours are already rife veteran actress, Dame Maggie Smith, 80, is already on board.
Maggie is believed to be reprising her role as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the any adaptation for the cinema.
Actor Michael Fox, who played Andy Parker, said his veteran co-star had already given the thumbs up to the new job opportunity.
Talking of her impact on the plot he said: She elevates it to something else, because she is such a legend and a national treasure."
He told : "The film without her would still be good with all the other actors, but it puts a stamp of quality with her in it."