Upstairs Downstairs takes a tumble

Thwack! That was the sound of ITV's announcement about Shirley MacLaine joining Downton Abbey hitting the launch of the second series of BBC1's Upstairs Downstairs for six on Monday. The Downton story knocked the BBC1 period drama down most papers' news lists. So was it somewhat cynical timing by ITV? Monkey fans will remember this clash of the period drama titans has form . In 2010, ITV's Christmas party for hacks was on the same day as the screening of the first series of Upstairs Downstairs – leaving some journalists dashing between the two, while some simply missed the screening and hoovered up the ITV hospitality. In the words of Cora: "I hope I don't hear sounds of a disagreement."