ITV's 'Downton Abbey' Renewed For A 5th Season

The period drama show 'Downton Abbey' has been renewed for a 5th season. ITV and Carnival Films, who make the TV series, made the announcement today (No 10th).

ITV reports, The 4th season, which also ended today, produced average viewing figures of 11.8 million people, making it the highest rated drama of 2013.

The show has also been a hit stateside as season 3, which aired on PBS, was watched by an average of 24 million Americans, making it the network's most watched drama to date.

Gareth Neame, the managing director of Carnival Films, said "Audiences have enjoyed their regular Sunday evening visits back to Downton once again this autumn and we are thrilled to produce a new series of the show next year. we promise all the usual highs and lows, romance, drama and comedy."

He added, "All the actors and makers of the show continue to be humbled by the extraordinary audience response and want to take the show from strength to strength next year".

Julian Fellowes will return to pen the upcoming 5th season, who will also act as the show's executive producer along with Liz Trubridge and Gareth Neame.