"Downton Abbey's Final Episode Premieres in London, Leaving Possibilities of Future Instalments Unclear"

In the heart of London, the grand finale of the beloved series "Downton Abbey" was held on Wednesday evening at Leicester Square. The premiere was marked by quintessentially British weather, as the skies relented briefly for the ensemble to walk the red carpet before the storm returned, drenching the media line and fans who waited for hours.

Director Simon Curtis, who helmed the world premiere, prioritized honouring the "Downton Abbey" ensemble of characters and actors. He expressed hope that the series will be watched for many years to come, comparing it to iconic shows like "The Sopranos" or "Mad Men".

Producer Liz Trubridge faced the challenge of delivering closure to the large ensemble while ensuring a good story and stirring emotions. With Focus Features' support, she suggested that anything is possible for the future of "Downton Abbey".

Michelle Dockery, who plays Lady Mary, found the farewell poignant. She stated that she's grown up with her character and will always be part of who she is. Laura Carmichael, returning as Lady Edith, described her character as strong and powerful and expressed a desire to keep Edith's confidence for herself.

Julian Fellowes, who has written every episode and film, described the 15-year journey of 'Downton Abbey' as 'an extraordinary time in our life, which I will never forget and which I will never repeat'. He found saying goodbye to Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess 'pretty hard'.

Gareth Neame, producer of "Downton Abbey", attributed the show's global success to its 'expressly British' mix of class structure, family drama, comedy, and romance. He mentioned that there are 'no real plans' for more "Downton Abbey" but acknowledged that in today's IP-driven climate 'who knows what the future holds?'

Joanne Froggatt reflected on the show's universal appeal, stating it's about love, relationships, and loss, with stories that are human and relatable. As the drenched crowd applauded inside the cinema, Julian Fellowes captured the evening's sentiment, stating that they are part of the "Downton Abbey" club, and their shared experience will bind them in the future.

Director Simon Curtis, in his closing remarks, emphasized the importance of honouring the characters and actors who brought "Downton Abbey" to life. He expressed hope that the grand finale would provide a fitting end to the series, one that will be cherished by fans for years to come.