Hugh Bonneville unveils heartbreaking Downton Abbey 3 news for fans ahead of 2025 release

It's been two years since : A New Era hit cinemas and the third film is set to land on the big screen in 2025.

Of course, Downton Abbey 3 will have a gaping hole without the late great Dame Maggie Smith, whose Lady Violet died at the end of the last film before her own death this past September.

Some fans have been wondering how the franchise can continue without the Dowager's biting wit, and from the sounds of it, the third film will be a big farewell.

Lord Grantham star Hugh Bonneville made the reveal in a new interview with Jason King on Heart Breakfast while promoting Paddington in Peru.

The presenter asked: "We briefly mentioned Downton [Abbey], the film, is that a thing, will you be there will we be seeing you in it?"

Hugh replied: "The third film we filmed this Summer yes, so that will come out next September, and I think it's very much the end of the story.

King asked for clarification, "That's the end of the story?" and the Downton Abbey star replied: "Yes, yes. But it's been a wonderful journey, and so I think the third one will be a great sign-off for fans of the show."

Whatever the case, joining the usual returning cast is Oscar-nominee Paul Giamatti, reprising his role as Harold Levinson, the brother of the Countess of Grantham last seen in Downton Abbey's 2013 Christmas Special, The London Season.

Downton Abbey 3 hits UK cinemas on September 12, 2025.

Listen to Heart Breakfast weekdays from 06:30 - 10:00 across the UK and on Global Player.