Downton Abbey stars Maggie Smith and Penelope Wilton spotted filming together for first time in three years as cast reunite to make long-awaited movie
DOWNTON Abbey stars Maggie Smith and Penelope Wilton have been spotted filming together as the cast reunite to make long-awaited movie.
The veteran actress has been pictured back in character as the formidable Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in her first scenes for the new movie.
It's been three years since viewers said goodbye to the beloved period drama, but fans have now been treated to the sight of Dame Maggie, 83, back on set.
She was spotted filming scenes for the new movie with Penelope, 72, who plays Violent's longtime 'frenemy' Isobel Crawley.
The pair were filming a scene at a church, which appeared to double as the Crawley family chapel from the long-running TV series.
They were both dressed in their Sunday best and the actresses were spotted working another scene together outside.
The pair both joined the cast back in the first series and their characters have had a tempestuous relationship over the years.
Maggie and Penelope were joined by a number of other actors all filming on location in Bampton - the site which has long doubled as the village of Downton.
Groups of actors in period costume were spotted gathering with crew members, while old-fashioned cars and a post van were seen around the area.
It comes as a film crew has also descended on Highclere Castle - the stately home which was used for the exterior shots of Downton Abbey.
Highclere Castle usually offers Downton Abbey themed guided tours but will be closed to the public for the 10 week filming period, with current owner The Countess of Carnarvon recently expressing her glee at welcoming the returning cast.
She said: "We are delighted to be welcoming Downton back to Highclere again.
"Julian [Fellowes] and the wonderful cast and crew of Downton were part of our lives and we will enjoy our next role with them."
Pictures show production has started on the Downton Abbey movie at Highclere Castle
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Elizabeth McGovern - who plays Lady Cora Crawley - assured fans that they won't be disappointed with the movie's top secret plot.
Quizzed about the Downton Abbey film while appearing on Good Morning Britain, she answered: "Well we are starting very soon and that's as much as I know.
"I've got a script. It's good, the fans will love it."
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