Lesley Nichol, who plays Mrs Patmore, quickly got back into character

There must be an event that draws more guests to Downton. Call us optimistic, but we're hoping it's another over-the-top gorgeous wedding bringing in the out-of-towners. Will Mary walk down the aisle again? Will Lady Edith finally get her big day? Or will Lady Rose surprise us all and settle down?

Series 5 is sure to be full of surprises, though we'd happily let it pass without any more shocking departures. (We're still recovering from the loss of Matthew and Lady Sybil.)

Luckily, Downton's executive producer Gareth Neame has hinted that everyone's favourite sassy granny is here to stay.

When asked about speculation that 79-year-old Maggie Smith (Dowager Countess) might leave before the show ends, he told the Hollywood Reporter: 'Maggie Smith will be in the show as long as she wants to do it. She'll be back this coming season. She's a huge part of the show, and I think she enjoys doing it. I think it's remarkable for someone who's had such a long and illustrious career to be still delivering work of this caliber.'

He also addressed those pesky rumours that Series 5 might be the last for the show. 'Why are people so interested in end dates? I get asked all of the time,' he said. 'If we were to end the show now, the show is still growing and playing in new territories around the world, but I would never want anyone to think we went too long.

It's about us trying to find a balance and calling things at the right time… I hasten to add that that's not anytime soon, because I think we're still in robust health.'

We'll drink (a cup of tea in the finest china) to that!

New pictures show Michelle Dockery and Hugh Bonneville back on Downton Abbey set