Unveiling 15 Secrets from Downton Abbey
5. Downton‘s first shocking moment occurred when Matthew Crawley, the charming male lead of the series, was killed off in the season three finale. “There were many upset fans demanding explanations,” Stevens revealed to Entertainment Weekly about his decision to depart from the show at the end of his three-year contract.
Regarding his departure from Downton, he stated, “Being part of a long-running TV series was an incredible experience in many ways. However, I felt the need to seek new challenges and keep myself entertained.”
6. Fellowes clarified in an interview with E! News that it was Stevens’ choice not to renew his contract (and not return for season four) that led to his character’s abrupt demise.
He pointed out that American contracts tend to be longer, so “it appeared to them that the production team had decided, you know,” he gestured with a throat-slitting motion. “But in reality, he had reached the end of his three-year contract and wanted to pursue different opportunities… We had to find a way to handle it. Some of the letters I received were quite alarming!”
7. Despite Matthew’s heartbreaking death, viewership didn’t decline, with the season four premiere setting new rating records by drawing in 10.2 million viewers.
8. Had Stevens informed Fellowes earlier of his departure from the series, he mentioned he would have approached Lady Sybil’s exit differently: “I might have chosen to have them both perish together in a car accident.”