In this latest interview, Elizabeth also discussed her carol singing stint in the double-album Christmas at Downton Abbey, which goes on sale later this month.

The actress formed the folk group Sadie and the Hotheads in 2008, and collaborated with Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary) on several of the tracks for the Downton LP.

“I’ve always got my guitar on the set of Downton Abbey and am rushing away to perform,” she said. “Music and acting are totally on the other side of the world from one another, and I do find that they’re nice antidotes for each other. The nice thing about music is I can be in control of it. I don’t need someone to give me permission.”

The star said she thought it was unlikely that producers would have got Maggie Smith to collaborate on the album: “They might have gone to [Maggie], but I’m sure she said no!”

Elizabeth has been married to British producer Simon Curtis for 22 years, and the couple have two children together.

“I’ve been married for a really long time and have kids, and when someone sees you in a role that’s not a wife or mother, you’re grateful because you feel recognized,” she said.

The Downton Abbey special is broadcast on ITV on Christmas Day

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