Downton Abbey star Harry Hadden-Paton recalls working with 'iconic and talented' Maggie Smith - and how he was struck with nerves when meeting the late star
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A Downton Abbey favourite Harry Hadden-Paton has recalled working alongside 'iconic and talented' Dame Maggie Smith - revealing how the cast felt her absence when filming the third film of the franchise.
As the third and final Downton Abbey film is set to be released on September 12, Harry, who played Herbert 'Bertie' Pelham in the ITV drama and its subsequent films, reflected on first meeting Dame Maggie.
He described how Hugh Bonneville advised him to pay closer attention to the acting great during a scene. The actor, 44, admitted he was initially nervous, but when he approached Maggie, the focus was immediately on the craft itself.
Speaking at the movie's premiere on Wednesday, Harry explained that Dame Maggie was intent on exploring the dynamics between their characters, even suggesting possible backstories to enrich their performances.
The British actor called this the essence of Maggie's talent - a willingness to 'play, build, and collaborate - prior to her passing last year.
A Downton Abbey favourite has recalled working alongside 'iconic and talented' Dame Maggie Smith in a heartfelt tribute (Maggie pictured in 2016)
Harry Hadden-Paton, who played Herbert 'Bertie' Pelham in the ITV drama and its films, reflected on first meeting Dame Maggie (pictured at the premiere
Dame Maggie, who played the formidable Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, reprised the role in both Downton Abbey films
He told Digital Spy: 'So I'll remember an icon and a talent and also just a child who loved acting like the rest of us'.
Dame Maggie, who played the formidable Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, reprised the role in both Downton Abbey films, with her character's death marking a poignant moment in the second instalment.
Off screen, the actress passed away last year, leaving an indelible mark on her colleagues. Recalling filming the third movie without the star, Harry shared how strongly her absence was felt.
He said: 'The first time we sat round the dinner table, the table we spent many hours round, I think it was within about five minutes someone said, "Should we just text Maggie?"'
Although her character didn't feature in the film, the cast went on to send her a message because her presence was so central to the series.
He said: 'There's a silence, there's an atmosphere wherever she goes, of fear, but also an icon who at the heart of it loved acting. She just loved acting.'
It comes as Michelle Dockery was pictured arriving at the Downton Abbey premiere afterparty in London after revealing she was expecting her first child on Wednesday.
The actor, 44, (pictured in the series) admitted he was initially nervous, but when he approached Maggie, the focus was immediately on the craft itself
Harry (pictured with Laura Carmichael) explained that Dame Maggie was intent on exploring the dynamics between their characters, even suggesting possible backstories
The actress, 43, revealed her growing baby bump to the world as she walked the red carpet at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square.
She joined her husband, film producer Jasper Waller-Bridge, 37, as they announced their happy news.
Michelle arrived in a powder blue off-the-shoulder ballgown with a fitted bodice as she showed off her bump.
She has portrayed fan-favourite Lady Mary Crawley since the period drama debuted on ITV in 2010.
Arriving for the afterparty, Michelle changed outfit and sported a comfortable long black dress that she paired with a white long coat.
Her husband Jasper was by her side as he ensured his wife and their unborn child were looked after.
Michelle was joined by her glamorous co-stars including Joanne Froggatt, Dominic West, Laura Carmichael, Sophie McShera and Joely Richardson.
It comes as Michelle Dockery was pictured arriving at the Downton Abbey premiere afterparty in London after revealing she was expecting her first child on Wednesday
