The creator of Downton Abbey has revealed that he is in love with Lady Mary Crawley.
Julian Fellowes, who recently brought back the costume drama after achieving an audience of 11 million viewers for the last episode of the first series, said that the character played by Michelle Dockery appeals to him because she is tough and almost "cold".
When asked if he is in love with Mary, he told the Radio Times: "Yes. I like strong, good-looking women and there's something about - not coldness, exactly, but there's something about the lack of needing to be liked which, when it's coupled with very good looks and confidence, is, I think, tremendously attractive."
Fellowes also admitted that he "loves" Bates, saying of the mysterious link between him and the Earl: "I'm sort of deferring clarifying their shared past because I'm enjoying that. [It will be] more touching than sinister."
He said that there is "lots" in store for Bates and Anna, adding: "The main thing is the war and how war changes them all, even those at home, and they all develop as people and become more self-aware. Unless you have a nuclear bomb go off, there's always an opening [for another series]."
Fellowes also revealed that in the next season of Downton Abbey, Edith will "become nicer", explaining that "she finds a sort of kindness in herself, as well as a role in life".
Downton Abbey returns to ITV1 and ITV1-HD tonight at 9.00pm
Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2011 1:55 pm