Downton Abbey star Lily James will not be returning after series five of the period drama.
The actress has been playing Lady Rose MacClare since 2012 and is to depart the show due to promotional commitments for Disney’s Cinderella.
“It’s a very important film for Disney, and you can understand them wanting their leading lady to be available to promote it” a source told the Daily Mail.
Despite her exit, producers will not be killing off Lady Rose, leaving the door open for the character to return at a later date.
It hasn’t been revealed yet exactly how Lady Rose’s absence will be explained in the show. The fifth series of Downton Abbey is due to air on TV in the autumn.
(Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images)
