Set in England in the years leading up to the First World War, Downton Abbey tells the story of a complicated community. The house has been home to the Crawley family for many generations, but it is also where their servants live, and plan, and dream, and they are as fiercely jealous of their rank as anyone. Some of them are loyal to the family and committed to Downton as a way of life, others are moving through, on the look out for betterment or love or just adventure. The difference is that they know so many of the secrets of the family, while the family know so few of theirs.

But for all the passions that rage beneath the surface, this is a secure world, serene and ordered, and, at first glance, it seems it will last forever. Little do they know, family or staff, that the clouds of the conflict that will change everything are already gathering over their heads.

This sumptuous costume drama, written and created by Academy Award? winner Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park, The Young Victoria) boasts an all-star cast featuring Hugh Bonneville (Lost in Austen), Maggie Smith (Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, Harry Potter), Elizabeth McGovern (Clash of the Titans), Michelle Dockery (Cranford), Dan Stevens (Sense & Sensibility), Penelope Wilton (Dr Who, Pride & Prejudice), Jim Carter (Cranford), Phyllis Logan , Siobhan Finneran (Benidorm), Joanne Froggatt (Robin Hood), Rob James-Collier (Coronation Street) and Brendan Coyle (Lark Rise to Candleford). This prestigious ensemble brings the world of Downton to life with splendour and passion.