The Sun’s TV Biz today carries a first look picture – above – of US acting legend Shirley MacLaine in her role as Lady Cora Grantham’s mother, who’s arriving from the States in series three of Downton Abbey.

Shirley’s character, Martha Levinson, is seen being brought from the station to Downton, and it seems she’s no sooner arrived than she and the Dowager Duchess – who’s played by another icon, Maggie Smith – lock matriarchal horns.

Brendan Coyle, who plays valet John Bates – whose in prison on suspicion of murdering his toxic ex-wife Vera – said of Shirley’s arrival, “This casting is ingenious. Shirley is very much loved here, her scenes are brilliant and I can assure you she will be a dazzling addition to Downton Abbey.”

Meanwhile, Hugh Bonneville, who plays Lord Grantham, has denied that there are any plans to film a movie version of the hit ITV drama…

Also speaking to the Star, he said, “Everyone thinks we’re making a film because our writer [Julian Fellowes] spoke to some producers at the Golden Globes.

“But that is what happens at film awards – it doesn’t mean we’re doing a film.

“I understand why people think we should though – the cast is incredible.”

I would like to see a Downton movie, but I can’t really see how logistically it could be tied in to the regular show, unless it’s filmed once the show’s run on TV ends.

Would you like to see a Downton film?