Downton Abbey has already boasted a guest appearance from a Hollywood star. Now it could be heading to Hollywood with a movie adaptation of the hit period drama.

The ITV show written by Julian Fellowes – which has also taken the US by storm – recently landed a cameo from George Clooney in a charity special of Downton for Text Santa.

George Clooney with Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville
George with Downton Abbey star Hugh (ITV)

Now Raquel Cassidy, who plays housemaid Phyllis Baxter, has revealed to the Daily Mirror that there are discussions about making a Hollywood film version of the show.

Raquel Cassidy plays Downton maid Baxter
Raquel Cassidy plays Downton maid Baxter (ITV)

Raquel said: “There have been talks and there is definitely a possibility of a Downton film.

“There is real hope. It’s been mentioned more than once and there’s a lot of commercial and artistic interest. Stranger things have happened, so watch this space.”

The Lead Balloon actress also revealed that Dame Maggie Smith can be just as intimidating to work with as her character ­Countess of Grantham Violet Crawley is on screen.

Dame Maggie Smith as the Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey
Dame Maggie plays the Countess of Grantham in period drama Downton Abbey (ITV)

Raquel confessed: “Maggie is a force to be reckoned with. She is a genuine grand dame of the industry and doesn’t suffer fools gladly.

“She can’t stand people who approach her all nervous and intimidated – that ­immediately gets her back up. She wants you to operate on her level or not at all.

“Then again, if you’re like that she probably won’t even notice you.

“At the same time she’s very talented and also game for a laugh if she thinks you’re worth it.

“She’s intimidating if you’re easily frightened. Actors need a thick skin – especially in the presence of ­somebody as iconic as her.”