Downton Abbey A New Era cast delight fans at star-studded premiere

The cast of Downton Abbey: A New Era appeared on the red carpet in London on April 25, to celebrate the launch of the latest film in the beloved period drama TV and film franchise.

While fans will be used to seeing the cast of Downton Abbey: A New Era in their period wardrobe, the actors in the show couldn't look further from their on-screen characters as they dazzled on the red carpet in daring outfits, sparkles, and capes.

Elizabeth McGovern and Hugh Bonneville, the actors who play the head of the family, Lady Grantham, Cora Crawley, and Lord Grantham, Robert Crawley, linked arms as they posed on the red carpet together. The on-screen couple looked just as regal and elegant in their modern wardrobe as they do in the beloved period drama. 

Other off-screen couples were also in attendance at the event. Jim Carter who is known for playing the butler Mr Carson, was pictured on the red carpet with his wife Imelda Staunton who is set to play Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown season 5.

Hugh Dancy is set to appear in the latest film as Jack Barber, appeared on the red carpet with his wife Claire Danes, who is best known for her roles in Homeland and Stardust. 

Laura Carmichael who plays Lady Edith in the series, looked worlds away from her on-screen character as she dressed in a stunning pale pink tulle gown that was cut to reveal her shoulders and legs while a cape flowed gently behind her.

Laura Carmichael was joined by her onscreen sister Michelle Dockery who plays Lady Mary Crawley in the drama series. Michelle wore a gorgeous silver sequined caped gown and was accompanied by her fiancé Jasper Waller-Bridge, the brother of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, star of Fleabag, and writer behind Killing Eve.

Also joining the leading ladies on the red carpet was the costume designer for the film, Anna Robbins. Anna stunned in a Vampire's Wife silver ruffled gown with puffed short sleeves and an embellished neckline.

Silver was clearly a major theme on the red carpet as Sophie McShera, who plays the assistant cook in the series, also opted for metallics. Sophie wore a silver bodice-style crop top with a matching full-length skirt that had a detailed ruching along one side.

Tuppence Middleton who played Lucy Smith in the first Downton Abbey film also appeared on the red carpet and shocked fans with her stunning appearance. 

Tuppence's outfit was not the cause for shock, but rather her blossoming pregnancy that was highlighted by her tight-fitting gown. The star had previously not announced her pregnancy, so her appearance certainly surprised fans who were delighted for the actress.

The release date for Downton Abbey: A New Era has been set for April 29, 2022. The film will be available in cinemas across the UK, but fans in the US and Canada will have to wait until the film is released on May 20, 2022.