Joanna Lumley to appear in Downton Abbey

Joanna Lumley is to appear in Downton Abbey after badgering writer Julian Fellowes to give her a part in the hit drama series. The Absolutely Fabulous star is a huge fan of the ITV1 period drama and when she met the show’s creator she twisted his arm so she could get a role in it.

She said: “I can’t measure how much I want to be in it. But I have had a word with the writer and I put his arm behind his back – and I’m certain to be in one of the future series.”

The 65-year-old star admitted she was a latecomer to the show because she had been in America but as soon as she saw it, she was addicted.

Speaking at a dinner in honour of the show, in aid of medical emergencies charity Merlin, Joanna said: “I didn’t see it when it first came out because I was in the States. So I came back and sat down to watch all the episodes one after the other, like eating a box of chocolates.”

Downton Abbey returns to TV screens later this year.