'Downton Abbey' Ending With Season 6 Episodes, Movie? [SPOILERS] BBC & ITV Confirm 2015 - 2016 Series Finale Filming Soon

After recent rumors suggested that Downton Abbey would end after its upcoming season 6 episodes, which are currently filming, Carnival Films confirmed this week that the PBS Masterpiece Theater and ITV series will in fact see a series finale this year in the U.K. and in 2016 for U.S. viewers. Plus, the possibility of a movie has also been brought up!

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According to The Hollywood Reporter, this news confirms a widely assumed end of the popular period piece.

"The Downton journey has been amazing for everyone aboard. People ask if we knew what was going to happen when we started to make the first series and the answer is that, of course we had no idea," series creator Julian Fellowes said in a statement this week. "Exactly why the series had such an impact and reached so many people around the world, all nationalities, all ages, all types, I cannot begin to explain. But I do know how grateful we are to have been allowed this unique experience. I suspect the show will always be a principal marker in most of our careers as we set out from here, and if so, I consider that a blessing and a compliment."

Downton Abbey holds the record form most nominated British show at the Emmys with 51 nominations. The series won 11 times.

"Millions of people around the world have followed the journey of the Crawley family and those who serve them for the last five years. Inevitably there comes a time when all shows should end and Downton is no exception," executive producer Gareth Neame also said this week in a statement. "We wanted to close the doors of Downton Abbey when it felt right and natural for the storylines to come together and when the show was still being enjoyed so much by its fans. We can promise a final season full of all the usual drama and intrigue, but with the added excitement of discovering how and where they all end up..."

You can check out the official press release about this news right here!

Neame also mentioned the possibility of a movie coming into the works soon (via Slash Film).

"Our position on [a movie] is that we would be very interested in that. It is definitely something that we're contemplating," the producer said, according to Variety. "It would be great fun to do. I think it would be a wonderful extension."