Downton returns but Clooney is a ‘no show’

If you weren’t paying attention, you could be forgiven for expecting a George Clooney cameo as Downton Abbey returned for its fifth season.

As with many Americans, Clooney is reportedly besotted with the genteel British period drama and its rosy portrait of upper-class life in the early 20th century and pleaded with Downton creator Julian Fellowes to write a part for him.

However, it is rumoured he won’t be making his much appearance — filmed in conditions of extreme secrecy— until the Downton Christmas special.