Downton Abbey’s Jim Carter SCOLDS Phillip Schofield for grilling him about Imelda Staunton

Jim Carter scolded Phillip Schofield during a hilarious interview on Thursday’s This Morning.

The presenter, 58, was told to ‘shut up’ by the actor, 72, for grilling him about his wife Imelda Staunton’s upcoming stint on The Crown after already being asked about plans for a sequel to the Downton Abbey movie.

When questioned about reports that a follow-up to the 2019 film was in the pipeline, Jim said he had read a version of the script but was yet to receive a date to start filming due to the Covid pandemic.

Jim was asked by Phillip about the news that Imelda would be taking over from Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, leading the actor to scold: ‘Honestly, shut up!’

‘We think she’s going to be in Downton we think, and The Crown’s coming up later in the year.’

Veering away from the subject he added: ‘We’ve had an exciting morning, we’ve turned our mattress this morning!’ which sparked a roar of laughter from hosts Phillip and Holly Willoughby.

Jim, who played Mr Carson in the period drama during its six series run, also confirmed the Downton Abbey film’s sequel was still in the works, after being hit with delays during the Covid pandemic.

He said: ‘I have seen the script I don’t think I’ve seen the final script, because I think Julian Fellowes is refining and polishing the final draft. We are hopeful we’ll start filming soon, I would love to tell you 100% when we’ll start filming. 

‘We will have another Downton in our lives.’ 

The screen star also chatted about his daughter Bessie’s role in the period series Bridgerton, which became a smash hit when it debuted on Netflix on Christmas Day.

He continued: ‘They’ve been very good on celebrating it on Zoom event,s and things like that, raising a glass to each other and having virtual wrap parties. They didn’t get to do any fun bits like going out.’

Jim was a guest on the show to speak about his work with the charity Marie Curie, ahead of their Great Daffodil Appeal and has spoken openly about struggling with bereavement.

He told Phillip and Holly: ‘I feel so sorry for those people who have lost somebody this year, people might have died a very lonely death in a hospital, surrounded by people in masks and PPE. 

‘My mum, was 100 when she died in a care home, but we could be with her. Marie Curie are brilliant at helping with bereavement, so if anybody is in a position where they feel bereft and disconnected, get in touch with Marie Curie.’

Jim Carter is supporting Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal this March. Every donation helps Marie Curie’s frontline staff provide vital care to more dying people and their loved ones. For more information to go www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil. 

This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.