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When Downton Abbey first hit our screens in September 2010, no-one could predict that it would take the world by storm becoming Britain’s most successful drama export ever. There were six series, three films, a stash of international awards and millions of fans in hundreds of countries.

ITV was still recovering from a crippling downturn in advertising revenues after the 2008 financial crash when they were approached with the idea for an expensive Edwardian Upstairs Downstairs style drama. They took a chance on it and, by the second week, audiences had rocketed by 25 percent.

It was unashamedly glamorous with toffs swanning around huge high-ceilinged rooms upstairs, while their legion of servants scurried around below ready to attend to their every waking need.

Its multi-generational appeal bridged the era where everyone knew their place just as younger characters were embracing women’s suffrage, the rise of socialism, and the imperturbable march of technology.

Joining Kirsty Wark for this Christmas special are: Hugh Bonneville who played Robert Crawley, patriarch of the Crawley family and the owner of the Downton Abbey estate; Julian Fellowes who wrote all six series, five Christmas specials and three feature films; Laura Carmichael who played the unconventional middle daughter Lady Edith – her first role out of drama school; Phyllis Logan who was the firm but fair housekeeper Mrs Hughes; Leslie Nichol who played the constantly flustered head cook Mrs Patmore; executive producer Gareth Neame who came up with the original idea; and producer Liz Trubridge who kept the show on the road through tantrums and turmoil.

Producer: Karen Pirie
Series Producer: David Prest
A Whistledown production for Â鶹Éç Radio 4