Following an interview with The Sunday Times that suggested that Dame Maggie Smith would be leaving Downton Abbey after its sixth, currently in-production season, the show’s publicists have stepped in to say that the Dowager Countess of Grantham was just having a good laugh.
According to The Associated Press, a spokesperson for Milk Publicity has stated that Smith has always agreed to stay with the show “for as long as the show runs.”
Granted, since the show is renewed one season at a time, Smith’s statements may eventually be proven right—but there won’t be any official word until the sixth season is a wrap.
See Photos of Maggie Smith Before Her Downton Days
Caption from LIFE. In Maggie Smith's dressing room at London's Old Vic Theatre last winter, the Stephenses modestly entertain other members of the cast of Beaux' Stratagem, a National Theatre production.John Olson—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesMaggie Smith in her dressing room during a break from the play Beaux' Stratagem at the Old Vic Theatre.John Olson—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesMaggie Smith and Robert Stephens, 1971.Michael Rougier—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesMaggie Smith and Robert Stephens, 1971.John Olson—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. On a Malibu beach outing, Toby rides his father's shoulders, while 4-year-old Christopher romps with his mother. The Stephenses spent 11 weeks rehearsing and performing their revival of Noel Coward's play Design for Living.Michael Rougier—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. Near the house they rented in Malibu this spring, the Stephenses play with younger son Toby, 2.Michael Rougier—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesMaggie Smith, Robert Stephens and their children Toby and Christopher play on the beach in Malibu, California.Michael Rougier—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. Maggie Smith and Robert Stephens first met when she joined the National Theatre Company in London. Stephens had been there since its inception in 1963. It was, as they say, love at first sight: he was already married. Christopher, their first son, was born only four days after the divorce came through and they were able to marry in June 1967.Michael Rougier—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesRobert Stephens, Maggie Smith and Denholm Elliott in a scene from the play Design for Living at the Ahmanson Theatre.John Olson—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesMaggie Smith and Robert Stephens at their home in London, 1971.John Olson—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. In the sitting room of their London house, Maggie lets Christopher sip some champagne while Robert looks on curiously.John Olson—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesMaggie Smith and her sons Christopher and Toby, 1971.John Olson—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
