A second Downton Abbey film will be released in cinemas this Christmas, the show's official Twitter account has announced.

The ITV series - set in the early 20th century - came to an end on TV in 2015 but returned with a big-screen outing in 2019 with a plotline involving a visit of George V and Queen Mary to Downton as part of a Royal tour.

The surprise sequel began production last week with a script from Julian Fellowes, with all of the main cast returning, including Maggie Smith - despite her character now being aged between 90 and 100 - while new cast members include Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West.

Producer Gareth Neame said: "After a very challenging year with so many of us separated from family and friends, it is a huge comfort to think that better times are ahead and that next Christmas we will be re-united with the much beloved characters of Downton Abbey."

Downton Abbey 2 has been given a scheduled release date of December 22, 2021.