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Lily James confirms Lady Rose won't be a part of upcoming Downton Abbey movie

Confirmed: Lily James has said that she will not star in the new Downton Abbey film: ITV
Confirmed: Lily James has said that she will not star in the new Downton Abbey film: ITV

Lily James has confirmed that her character Lady Rose will not be returning for the upcoming Downton Abbey film.

The Mamma Mia! actress starred in the hit ITV period drama as Rose MacClare for several years but James says that there was “no space” for Rose, who moved to New York.

Speaking to PEOPLE, James said: “I’m sadly not [going to be in it], but I’m so excited for it — I’m going to be front row.

“I spoke to Laura [Carmichael] not long ago and was texting Michelle [Dockery] about Love Island and it’s going to be really exciting. And the whole gang is coming back.

“My character Rose moved off to New York, so it would be farfetched to bring her back.”

“I would have loved to have come back for a scene, but for a movie it can’t be like a Christmas special and it needs to be a focused storyline.”

Actress: Lily James (Tim P. Whitby/ Getty Images)
Actress: Lily James (Tim P. Whitby/ Getty Images)

After years of speculation, the film was officially announced last Friday with production due to start this summer.

Joanne Froggatt shared the news, telling fans she is "delighted" to be returning to her role as Anna Bates.

American publication Deadline reported that many of the original cast will reunite for the film including Dame Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery and Hugh Bonneville.

Creator Julian Fellowes will provide screenplay and also take on a role as producer with Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge. The Book Thief’s director Brian Percival will steer the film’s ship.

Details of the plot are being kept under wraps for now, but fans are already beside themselves with excitement.

Focus Features has confirmed they will be producing alongside Carnival films, with Universal as the distributor.