Dame Maggie Smith could be set to leave ITV’s hit period drama Downton Abbey.
The actress plays the Dowager Countess in the programme has not signed on the dotted line for the fourth season of the show and ITV bosses fear she may quit.
Julian Fellowes, creator of the programme confirmed that Smith has not signed up for season four.
“I can’t tell you, ‘Oh yes, she’s definitely contracted for season four’ – she isn’t.
“With Maggie, you never know. But I hope she stays with us until ‘Downton’ falls down.”
The servants of Downton Abbey
The show has been nominated for 16 Emmy awards and it is now the most Emmy-nominated show in British TV history.
Last year, 77-year-old Smith took home an award for best supporting actress.
The remainder of the cast including Michelle Dockery and Hugh Bonneville has signed up for the fourth season but ITV fears that without Smith, the ratings will flop.
The third season has already been filmed and Shirley MacLaine has joined the cast as the Countess of Grantham’s mother, Martha Levinson.
Dame Maggie Smith stars in Room with a View in 1985
