‘Downton’ prequel may feature younger Dowager

Downton Abbey fans upset that the show is bowing out will be pleased to hear that the Dowager Countess may again appear on screen.

Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, played by Maggie Smith in the hit period drama, might return in a show by Downton’s creator Julian Fellowes.

The Gilded Age is believed to be a drama focussing on New York high society families in the late 19th century — so it would be a younger Violet if she were to feature.