Andorra

They're currently filming Episode 5 and 6. They must have 2 or 3 weeks still in this block. They were in Ealing last week and I think this week, too. I would assume they're going to Highclere next week or the week after that. They haven't been there in this block yet.

But at least I know that Allen and Rob won't film next tuesday :. I'm so excited!!

ClaireK80

I also think Edith's secret will be revealed in S5 and I agree Tom will probably play a role in it.... not only he knew something was off with Edith, but as Downton administrator he also regularly visits Drewe's farm, so he'll notice that the pig man has a new adopted daughter and that Edith is often around etc. He'll do the math sooner or later.
Mary could sense something is wrong too. And Violet, even if she probably won't have many chances of meeting Drewe and his family.

I'm sure Edith will be reunited with her daughter at the end, which is ok, but I guess in the meantime the baby will have bonded with her adoptive parents, so they need to write this storyline carefully...

Andorra

Did I just say they're not at Highclere this week? Today they are!



Michelle posted it on instagram today.

LadyPersie

Why? Are you meeting them?

Andorra

Yes, I am! They're doing a "Meet and Greet" in Hamburg on May 27th in a bookstore and I'm going to be there!!

And although I know of course, that Allen won't say anything: I'm going to ask about Sarah Bunting

NikNak

Lauren60

I hope you'll come back here and share your experience with us!

Hopefully Allen will be in a talkative mood. If he is, please slip in a question about who Mary chooses.

ClaireK80

Joanne Froggatt briefly talked about the relationship between Anna and Mary in an interview and here's what she said:
Joanne Froggatt on the hushed tones but hard edge of 'Downton Abbey' - Los Angeles Times

I wonder if maybe this has something to do with the pics of Anna in London, and the undercover detective? Perhaps Anna finds out that something's wrong with either Gillingham or Blake?

lipsticklullabies

Ahhh that's so exciting that you get to meet them!! I hope you have a great time!

Maybe Anna finds out about Mary burning the ticket to cover Bates' tracks? But that wouldn't be something for Mary's own good. I'm excited for it, whatever it is. Mary and Anna's relationship is easily one of my favorites and Jo and Michelle are always fantastic together.

Not a spoiler, but George Clooney apparently visited the set at Highclere with his fiancée today. iirc Laura and Michelle have both jokingly mentioned wanting him to guest star as a love interest for their respective characters so they must've had fun

Some very, very minor spoilers via casting: on IMDB, Lasco Atkins is listed as playing a Russian refugee in 5.01, James Joyce is listed as playing "First Young Man" in 5.01, and Hannah Flynn is listed as playing "Fashion Show Girl" in 5.02 (x). The only really new thing from this though is the fashion show bit (unless I'm forgetting a different spoiler). Sounds like a great excuse for costume porn, tbh, and I'll totally take it.

ediedoyle

NICE. Bring on the pretty. I heard they have a new costume designer this year because Caroline McCall left? Or will that be in S6? (Or am I just making this up...I swear I read it somewhere.) Either way, I'm sure it will be fabulous.

Andorra

Back from Hamburg and I don't have any new spoilers for you.

But it was amazing. Allen and Rob are both so lovely and friendly and charming. It's incredible. And did I mention handsome? They're SO handsome! As in REALLY, REALLY handsome!

I only found out that they're on a two week break currently and then they will start with the new block, which should be 7/8.

Nothing more. I was too overwhelmed to talk much beyond telling them how much I like the show, asking for a signature and asking for a picture, lol.

What was almost as good as the "Meet & Greet" was talking to the other fans though. We waited for 4 and a half hour in line and we had such a laugh, I didn't even notice my hurting feet!

Lovely afternoon. I would love to do it again!

My pictures turned out to be blurred. Only three of them were ok. I guess I was too jittery. There're plenty on tumblr though. Look in the Allen Leech tag.

puffball7

I know it's from the Daily Mail....but according to them Sue Johnstone has been cast in a guest role to play Violet's Lady's maid.

Andorra

Laura Carmichael obviously said in an interview that she has a very "meaty" storyline this year and finds it hard not to talk about it. She said she finds it very moving and hopes that the audience will feel the same in September.

Any guesses? I think it must have to do with her daughter and getting her back?

lipsticklullabies

The Telegraph is also reporting the Sue Johnston casting as well as a couple other sites. I usually take the Daily Mail with a grain of salt as well but looks like it's legit! My favorite tidbit of the article is this though:

Poor Molesley

She's got to be talking about Edith's daughter. I'd be surprised if she has any other major storylines this year - although I'm interested to see if we ever hear from Gregson again.

Andorra

A manservant dressing Violet?? That sounds a bit too unusual for the times, don't you think?