Downton Abbey Downton's sister act: 'We are really close'

Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael and Jessica Brown Findlay talk to TV Times magazine about fashion, friendship and the future..

How do you all get on with playing sisters in Downton Abbey?
Laura: “We are really close. Being part of the whirlwind of Downton Abbey is one thing that brought us together, but all three of us are also from all-sister families. Michelle and I have two sisters, and Jess has one. I definitely think there’s something in that; we can connect with that similar sense of humour.”
Michelle: “We do it with a sense of humour. Wouldn’t it be awful if we actually didn’t like each other? Julian Fellowes writes for sisters so well. I’m one of three girls and although we don’t argue like that, there are similarities.”

Do you all hang out on set when you’re not filming?
Laura: “We share music, watch series on DVD in each other’s trailers and hang out chatting and laughing all day long. If we do the crossword, we take the difficult clues to Jim Carter, who plays Carson. He knows all the answers. He’s the cleverest man in the world! It’s a very happy set.”

Do you all enjoy being a part of the show? It’s such a success.
Michelle: “I guess it’s a launchpad, but I’m still immersed in it. We aren’t available! But it’s an amazing series to be a part of. We’re starting to move into the 1920s, and you can see the fashions changing. I’m intrigued to see what they do with our hair.”
Jessica: “One of the joys of period drama is not being so instantly recognisable. I thought someone recognised me once, but they just wanted me to buy them cigarettes because they were underage. I was so embarrassed.”
Laura: “The chance to be a part of these stories is fantastic. I know if I wasn’t in the show I would be addicted to watching it. I’m still pinching myself most days. We start the Christmas special this week and I can’t wait to get started!”