Popular ITV show Downton Abbey will end after series six . At its peak , it was drawing in more than 9.51million viewers . During the show 's five-year run , many of its cast have achieved stardom . The first season aired from January to March 2011 and ended with a cliffhanger that saw Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery) leave her husband Lord Grantham (David Morrissey) for his cousin Matthew Crawley, played
Popular ITV show Downton Abbey will end after series six . At its peak , it was drawing in more than 9.51million viewers . During the show 's five-year run , many of its cast have achieved stardom . Dan Stevens and Lily James among those who 've gone on to huge success .