Hugh Bonneville Reveals This 'Touching' Moment In New Downton Abbey Film Was Not In The Script

Hugh Bonneville at the premiere of of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in New York earlier this weekThis article contains major spoilers for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.Hugh Bonneville has shared that some of the most tear-jerking moments in the new Downton Abbey film weren’t actually in its original script.The Emmy nominee played Robert Crawley, the Earl Of Grantham, in all six seasons of the internationally-successful ITV drama, as well as its three spin-off films, including the newly-released third and final instalment, The Grand Finale.Over the course of the film, Hugh’s character gradually begins to loosen his grasp as the head of Downton, having previously said he was handing over control to his eldest daughter in the show’s season finale.“Well, it’s been a long time coming, he’s been talking about handing over the reins since the end of season six,” Hugh told HuffPost UK during a recent interview. “And then this film, yet again, he has another excuse not to let go. But he finally does, and that’s quite cathartic, and it just feels completely right.“This is a good way to end the story, the handing on to the next generation.”Hugh Bonneville's character says goodbye in Downton Abbey: The Grand FinaleAs Robert and Cora prepare to move out of the family’s main residence and into the dower house at the end of the film, viewers see the Earl Of Grantham laying his hands on the outside wall of Downton one last time, after sharing a touching moment with his grandson.“I had the idea that I should bring George over, and talk to him about something to do with the house,” he explained. “I’m handing it over to him, via his mother. And so I told him a little story about me and my sister, when we were very young, in that window up there.“You don’t hear it, but that’s what I was telling little George. [He’s] handing on the story to the next generation, as [George] would in time do so to his. “But that was a touching little moment, I enjoyed doing that sentimental moment.”Downton Abbey stars Allen Leech, Dominic West, Robert James-Collier, Douglas Reith, Sarah Crowden, Penelope Wilton, Paul Giamatti, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael and Harry Hadden-PatonOne other moment that wasn’t actually in the Grand Finale script was the film’s final moments, in which Lady Mary stands alone in Downton and is revisited by some old faces.Hugh told HuffPost UK that the first time he saw this scene was when he and his on-screen daughter Michelle Dockery were in an editing room.“I clutched her hand because I didn’t see it coming – and suddenly, there’s 15 years of your life,” he recalls. “It’s such a great moment, and unexpected.”The third Downton Abbey film brings the sprawling ensemble cast together for one final outing, as well as reuniting Elizabeth McGovern with her on-screen brother, Paul Giamatti.As well as familiar faces, the movie also introduces a handful of new characters, played by the likes of Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola and Arty Froushan, who portrays the legendary playwright Noël Coward.Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is in cinemas now.READ MORE:Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Is Here, But Is The New Film A Fitting Send-Off?Hugh Bonneville Uses Downton Abbey Premiere To Express Solidarity With Palestine

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Hugh Bonneville Reveals This 'Touching' Moment In New Downton Abbey Film Was Not In The Script

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