Why Downton Abbey star was OK with movie's "intimate shots"

Downton Abbey is resplendent with evocative shots of the beloved Crawley stately home and its stunning grounds in the grips of autumn, but new to the film are lingering close-ups of Laura Carmichael's Lady Edith at her dressing table, and out of her formal attire.

The actress said the moments aimed to capture Edith's informal and close relationship with Joanne Froggatt's faithful Anna Bates, while Michelle Dockery added that it was intriguing to see what they would have worn under their traditional attire during that time.

"I know there were a lot of intimate shots... Scandalous!" the actress laughed, speaking to Digital Spy. "It was very strange, and very new for the movie that we were all in our pants! I think it was nice to see Edith back home with Anna, and in scenes we that we don't always get to see her in that way."

Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Elizabeth McGovern, Downton Abbey

Karwai Tang

Dockery ruminated: "It's lovely to see what they would have worn [under their dresses]."

Julian Fellowes' film adaptation of his beloved ITV series follows the Downton residents – both upstairs and downstairs – as they prepare for a regal visit from the British royal family.

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Maggie Smith returns as Violet Crawley for some entertaining and sardonic sparring with Penelope Wilton's Isobel Crawley and Imelda Staunton's new character Lady Bagshaw.

Romance beckons for Allen Leech's Tom Branson, while Robert James-Collier's Thomas Barrow faces unjust persecution after a night out turns sour.

Downton Abbey is out now in UK cinemas, and is released in US cinemas on September 20.

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