‘Downton Abbey’ Renewed For Season 6 After Cancellation Rumors

“Downton Abbey” fans don’t have to worry about Season 5 being the last season of the hit British import. PBS announced that the series has been renewed for Season 6, TV Line reports. The renewal came just a week after Allen Leech (who plays Tom Branson) sparked concerns that “Downton Abbey” may be closing its doors soon.

“In my heart of hearts, I can't see it going more than two [seasons] more,” Leech told E Online. “I think the period of time we want to tell, we're coming to the end that us as actors we can keep playing these characters.”

While that decision isn’t in Leech’s hands, showrunner Julian Fellowes could decide to end “Downton Abbey,” and he might end it even sooner than Leech expects. “Unlike America, in England we have to wait until the season finishes [airing] before we receive a pick-up; we're not renewed multiple years in advance,” Fellowes told Huffington Post Canada earlier this year. “We never want to jinx anything. [Laughs] That's good because it keeps everyone at the top of their game. If there is a sixth season, it may be our last.”

Fans don’t have to be concerned about the end just yet though. However, they may want to be concerned about their favorite characters. Fellowes was announced as the writer for “Downton Abbey” Season 6, but no returning cast members were announced. Perhaps there is a deadly spoiler that they didn’t want to give away? While American fans are still waiting for the new season, fans in the U.K. will see the “Downton Abbey” Season 5 finale on Sunday. After Matthew’s (Dan Stevens) death in the Season 3 finale, “Downton Abbey” fans know none of their favorite characters are ever safe.

“Downton Abbey” Season 5 premieres in the U.S. on Sunday, Jan. 4 at 9 p.m. EST on PBS. Do you think Season 6 will be the last? Sound off in the comments section below!