This September marks the cinematic release of Downton Abbey 3, the first instalment in the period drama franchise without the late great Dame Maggie Smith.

The Oscar-winning star’s Dowager Duchess, Lady Violet Crawley, was killed off at the end of Downton Abbey: A New Era before the actress died. And according to Michelle Dockery, the third film will be a “beautiful tribute” to the screen icon.

Not only that, but the Lady Mary actress has confirmed Hugh Bonneville’s bombshell last year that Downton Abbey really is the end of the road.

In a recent interview, Dockery said it was always meant to be a trilogy and added: “I’m really excited to see the final film." She then shared what the final day on set was like.

Speaking with Collider, she said: “We really relished every minute. It being the last, it felt really, really special. Like anything, when something comes to an end, it’s emotional but just such a happy place to be. It’s always been a very happy place to be and a wonderful thing to be part of for the last 15 years.”

Plot details are still under wraps but what we do know is that Oscar-nominee Paul Giamatti returns as Harold Levinson, Cora’s brother, last seen in the 2013 Christmas special.

Downton Abbey 3 hits UK cinemas on September 12, 2025.