Hugh Bonneville reveals behind-the-scenes secret about final Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey's final episode is broadcast on Christmas Day, but it will face stiff competition from EastEnders as it battles to go out on top in the ratings.

Carter, 67 - who plays Mr. Carson in the popular ITV period drama - described the final ever episode as a "tearjerker".

The BBC claimed eight of the 10 most watched Christmas shows, with Mrs. Brown's Boys and Stick Man drawing in an average of 6.4 million, and Doctor Who and Call the Midwife pulling in an audience of 5.8 million each. Not a single show broke the 7 million viewer mark this year, down from the most recent peak in 2010 when three shows - all on the BBC - each attracted more than 10 million.

The cast, producers and crew of Downton Abbey were presented with a Bafta Special Award, before the show comes to an end this Christmas - and it made everyone a bit nostalgic and VERY emosh.

Will you be sad when Downton Abbey comes to an end?

Before Downton, ITV is putting its faith in extended, hour-long editions of Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

It was the first time Downton had ever topped the Christmas ratings and a fitting end to the beloved series.

Meanwhile, Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) encounters Bertie Pelham (Harry Hadden-Paton) and the family and servants will apparently bid farewell to controversial figure, Thomas Barrow (Rob James-Collier).

"When she spent more time in London, editing Gregson's magazine and starting an independent life in series six, it was like her butterfly moment - she was finally emotionally ready to wear it". "I think it would be interesting to know how many people are on their second screens or how many have got their tablets on".

Lord Grantham, played by Hugh Bonneville, declared his enduring love for his wife Lady Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), when he accepted her working at a hospital.

However, if members of the cast didn't want to continue, it wouldn't have been the same.