Downton Abbey to return for second series

ITV1 has commissioned a second series of the costume drama Downton Abbey after it proved a hit with viewers and critics . The Sunday-night drama was written and created by the Oscar-winning Julian Fellowes , and stars Dame Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville. It averaged more than 8 million viewers across the opening three episodes of its initial seven-part run. The Carnival Films production will return for an eight-part series next year. Downton Abbey's debut on 26 September had an overnight rating of 7.7 million viewers and a consolidated audience of 9.2 million, according to ITV, making it the channel's most successful new drama since Whitechapel in February last year. The drama also broke the record for a single episode viewing on itv.com's catchup service, the ITV Player. Laura Mackie, the ITV director of drama commissioning, said: "We're delighted with the audience response to Downton Abbey and the positive critical reaction. We're extremely proud to have commissioned a series which has clearly captivated ITV1 viewers. "Consequently, we're thrilled to be announcing the recommission of a new series for 2011, which will allow us to spend more time with the Crawley family and their servants." • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".