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.”
Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin March 4, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin March 4, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK