ITV's stately drama is given second series
The network has commissioned another eight-part run of the country house drama – scripted by Oscar winner Julian Fellowes – to be screened next year.
ITV said the programme is the most successful new drama launched on any channel for 18 months.
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Hide AdThe programme, which stars Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Penelope Wilton and Elizabeth McGovern, examines the lives of the Crawley family and their domestic staff.
ITV's director of drama commissioning Laura Mackie said: "We're extremely proud to have commissioned a series which has clearly captivated ITV1 viewers."
ITV said the first episode of Downton Abbey drew 9.24 million viewers, slightly more than BBC's audience for Sherlock.