A fun fact for those of you who haven't had a chance to get your hands on the book, Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey written by Emma Rowley.
"Unlike American series, which tend to lock in their cast for five or seven years, Downton works, as is the standard in the UK, on contracts that 'option' (lay claim to) an actor for up to three years."
This is the most rational explanation to the huge overturn; Dan Stevens, Jessica Brown Findlay, the upcoming leave of Siobhan Finneran all leaving in less than a season's length of time. They are free to leave at this point having fulfilled their three-year contract. Why, of course, one would want to opt of Downton is a completely different matter all together.
Rowley notes that Dame Maggie Smith has no 'option' with the show. She may come and go when she pleases. Of course, it is almost certain that the show goes when she goes, so we shall all have to keep our fingers crossed that she doesn't option out anytime soon.
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