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Hugh Bonneville has been acting for more than twenty years now, popping up as lovable buffoons in the romantic comedy “Notting Hill” (1999) – the first time I saw him onscreen – and the period adaptation “Mansfield Park,” but it’s “Downton Abbey” that’s really made him a household name.

“I feel like a very lucky actor to be in a show that people love and continues to grow around the world,” he says. “It’s something I love doing, and the people involved are a fantastic team. I said to our producer not so long ago, that it’s extraordinary to think that five years on, we’re not punching each other!”

Series six has already been commissioned, but Bonneville is aware that it can’t run indefinitely. “It’s a unique show, in that it feels so big in scale, but it comes down to one person’s imagination;” [writer and producer] Julian Fellowes.

“It’s really him, and he’ll know when it’s time to tie-up all the loose ends and put it to bed.”

I won’t regret the passing of the series, however enjoyable it may have been. My life is at risk each sunday evening if I mess up recording the programme properly. I live with an unforgiving family!!!