Downton Abbey star Jim Carter has confirmed that a second film is scheduled to begin filming next year.

The actor – who portrayed Mr Carson in the hit historical drama – teased the sequel when he appeared on This Morning.

When asked whether there was a reunion in the works, Carter told hosts Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield: “If you promise not to tell anyone, I’ll let you know that we’ve seen a script. The script for a second film is there.”

Carter revealed: “We’ve seen it, it’s very funny. It’s got all the same characters in, all the regular characters. I think the will is that, Covid-willing, we will film it next year.”

The first Downton Abbey movie, based on the Emmy-winning series of the same name, was released in September last year and was generally well-received by fans.

ITV’s period drama celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. 

The series first aired on 26 September 2010, with its sixth and final season coming to a close five years later in 2015.