DOWNTON ABBEY Executive Producer Speaks Out on Show's Rumored End

Following reports that the upcoming sixth season of the popular historical drama DOWNTON ABBEY would be its last, executive producer Gareth Naeme has spoken out.

He tells Variety: "We plan the show from year to year, and right now I just want the cameras rolling next month," adding, "If I had a dollar for every time, every day this comes up. We are entirely focused on Season 6 right now, and getting scripts ready for production in a couple of weeks."

Production on the next season is set to begin this spring, but according to The Daily Mirror, the show's writer, Julian Fellowes, is now focused on his next project for NBC, another historical drama set in 19th century New York during the Gilded Age.

A statement from ITV, the network which airs the show in the UK, maintains, "We wouldn't comment on speculative stories about our programs." Yet according to PEOPLE's source, "There has been this speculation since [season] 2."

The Mirror reports that ITV is currently looking for a replacement drama for the show. In addition, it was rumored that the series stars were on THE HUNT for work while in LA for last Sunday's SAG Awards.

However one insider notes that it is not unusual for actors to seek other roles while involved in a current show. "There is other time for cast members to do other work," says the source. "There are many other Sundays in the year to fill."

For now, fans in the U.S. can enjoy Season 5, currently airing Sunday nights on PBS.

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