Hugh Bonneville's emotional Downton Abbey confession after co-star's tragic death

GMB: Hugh Bonneville discusses Maggie Smith

Hugh Bonneville has shared an emotional Downton Abbey confession following the death of beloved Dame Maggie Smith.

Hugh opened up about the forthcoming Downton Abbey 3 film and revealed that it will pay tribute to the late acting legend following her passing at age 89 in September.

Smith, who captivated audiences as the sharp-tongued Violet Crawley, appeared in the original period drama series and both feature films.

In a recent interview with Virgin Radio UK, Bonneville, who portrays Violet's son Robert, revealed that the third Downton Abbey film – set for release in September 2025 – will likely be the final instalment in the franchise and would be a fitting send-off for the late star.

“We finished a third – and I think probably final – Downton Abbey film this summer, which will come out next September," he said.

Bonneville starred alongside the late Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey (Image: Downton Abbey/ITV)

"That is a wonderful sort of closing off of all the stories, so it’s a proper film for the fans. It’s very much set in the house and saying goodbye to all these characters, and we obviously say goodbye to Dame Maggie, which was very poignant on screen and now in real life.

"She’ll be sorely missed. But the final film will obviously be a great lasting tribute to her.”

This last chapter, set during the Great Depression, is expected to be an emotional farewell for audiences, as it will not only conclude the Crawley family’s story but also honour Smith’s legacy.

Though Smith’s character, Violet Crawley, will not appear on screen, her absence will be felt as her family and the household reflect on her influence.

Lady Mary, meanwhile, is believed to be stepping into a leadership role in the household, guiding the family through new challenges and changes amid shifting social and political tides of the 1930s.

Hugh Bonneville had an emotional confession about the programme (Image: Getty)

The film promises to be a reflective finale and promises new romances, revelations, and the rekindling of old relationships.When Dame Maggie died there were a stream of tributes including from her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens.

In a statement issued via their publicist, her sons said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.

“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother."

Joining the usual returning cast is Oscar-nominee Paul Giamatti, reprising his role as Harold Levinson, the brother of the Countess of Grantham last seen in Downton Abbey’s 2013 Christmas Special, The London Season.

Downton Abbey 3 hits UK cinemas on September 12, 2025.