In Residence At Downton: Behind The Scenes With Jim Carter

What The Butler Saw

“Your first time here, I’m guessing?” is the opening line from one of the world’s most famous butlers. He’s right. There’s nothing quite like that moment you step into Highclere Castle, the setting for Downton Abbey. Just one overexcited gasp from us gives it all away.

“I see it all the time,” says Mr Carson, alias actor Jim Carter, with a laugh. “To me, it’s just the office.”

The residence is actually lived in (hence why only a few rooms are used to film in and the rest is recorded in a studio) and even Jim seems puzzled to see it minus its finery, with plastic sheets over all the carpets, and without the TV crew and cameras. In fact, when we get taken on a tour of the castle, he’s jealous.

“You shall be searched on your way out to see if you’ve sneakily popped anything in your bag,” he says with a wink.

So why is he back in the office? After years of rumours, it has been confirmed that a Downton Abbey film will be out this year. Not only will Jim (70) be back playing the indomitable Carson but his wife, Imelda Staunton (63), stars in it for the first time.

In the flesh, Jim is funny, friendly and chatty, and insists on showing us a secret cupboard in one of the walls that was once used to store ancient Egyptian artefacts. It’s odd to see him out of the butler get-up, in casual jeans and a white shirt. Even his top button is open (gasp!)

When we finally get him to sit down – in the actual drawing room (squeal!) – he talks about married life, finding fame later in life and that little Downton Abbey movie…

Is it nice to revisit Carson?

“Yes, and very familiar. After three years, it was funny coming back to do the film. The second the costume comes back on, it’s like it never ended.”