Downton Abbey’s Elizabeth McGovern recently made an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show and shared some interesting anecdotes about her experience filming the beloved period drama and its latest movie adaptation. The talk show, hosted by Jonathan Ross, is known for its entertaining conversations with celebrities from various fields, and this episode was no exception.
During the interview, McGovern expressed her excitement about the release of the Downton Abbey movie and how much she enjoyed being part of the film. She admitted to shedding a few tears while watching it and revealed that fans had been eagerly asking for a movie since the TV series ended. McGovern shared that it was a relief to finally give people what they wanted and to reprise her role as Lady Mary.
When asked about getting back into character after a break from the show, McGovern confessed that she initially struggled with finding her English accent again, as she usually played an American character. She recalled having a brief moment of panic during her first scene, but eventually, she slipped back into the familiar role of Lady Mary. McGovern’s co-star, Laura Carmichael, who plays Lady Edith, also had to reacquaint herself with her character’s voice after portraying American roles for some time.
The conversation then shifted to the dynamic between the actors on set. McGovern praised the exceptional cast of Downton Abbey, mentioning that Dame Maggie Smith, who portrays the iconic Dowager Countess, is a standout performer and a joy to work with. McGovern also revealed that Smith has a surprising love for memes, and her co-stars would often share funny memes with her on set.
As the interview progressed, the talk show host inquired about the royal family’s connection to the show. McGovern mentioned that both Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, have expressed their admiration for Downton Abbey. McGovern had the opportunity to meet Prince Charles after Kate’s visit to the set. She was eager to greet the royal, but lightheartedly shared that he jokingly remarked, “Not a fan,” when she extended her hand. The audience found this interaction amusing, and McGovern’s story added a touch of humor to the interview.
Aside from her acting career, McGovern revealed another surprising talent—DJing. Although she clarified that she wasn’t a professional DJ, McGovern admitted to often taking over the playlist at parties. She mentioned enjoying a mix of music genres, including old-school hip-hop. The host, Jonathan Ross, playfully suggested that McGovern should team up with DJ Craig David for a double DJ session, to which McGovern responded with a laugh that she was more of a casual party playlist curator.
The interview concluded with an appreciation for the chemistry between the cast members of Downton Abbey and the success of the movie. Ross expressed his admiration for the film and the series as a whole, reassuring McGovern and viewers that there will likely be ongoing speculation about the possibility of future Downton Abbey projects.
Overall, the interview showcased McGovern’s enthusiasm for Downton Abbey and the joy she experienced while filming the movie. Her anecdotes about meeting Prince Charles and the playful banter about DJing added an entertaining flair to the conversation. The Jonathan Ross Show once again provided a platform for lively discussions with beloved celebrities, solidifying its reputation as a must-watch talk show.