‘Downton Abbey’ star Phyllis Logan, who takes on the role of housekeeper Mrs. Hughes, has expressed her hopes of having more career opportunities opened once the ITV hit drama ends after its sixth season.
The 59-year-old actress is worried that she might not find work in the future once ‘Downton Abbey’ says goodbye to its TV viewers.
In an interview at The ‘Downton Abbey’ Ball in support for Centrepoint, a U.K. charity for the young and homeless, at London’s Savoy Hotel, Phyllis shared her sentiments on the drama series’ finale.
“You just don’t know in this silly old business. You don’t know what’s going to happen,” the Scottish actress said.
She added: “I am worried, we all worry about that all the time. It’s a concern. It’s also hopefully going to open up other channels though.”
On the other hand, co-star Elizabeth McGovern, who portrays Lady Cora Crawley, has announced her plans of quitting acting and focusing on music once the period drama is over.
The 53-year-old actress has also been the vocalist for the music group ‘Sadie and the Hotheads’ since 2008 and aims to tour the U.S. starting 2016.
“I think I’ll be channeling my energy in that direction,” the on-screen Countess of Grantham said regarding her change in career.
The cast members have also been planning “several weeks of parties” to celebrate the end of ‘Downton Abbey’ after six seasons.
Allen Leech, who plays Tom Branson, said: “I don’t imagine there will be one party, I think it will be multiple parties over a couple of weeks!”
With a total of 51 Emmy nominations, more than any other show from the U.K. in Emmy history, ‘Downton Abbey’ has become one of the most widely acclaimed and honored shows on television. Aside from bagging 11 Emmys, it has also received three Golden Globes, three Screen Actors Guild Awards and three BAFTAs, among others.
Julian Fellowes, writer and creator of ‘Downton Abbey’, already expressed his thanks for the opportunity to create and continue with the period drama experience over the past years.
“I do know how grateful we are to have been allowed this unique experience,” Lord Fellowes said. “I suspect the show will always be a principal marker in most of our careers as we set out from here, and if so, I consider that a blessing and a compliment.”
