Filming of the final episode of Emmy-winning “Downton Abbey” was an emotional affair, especially for the show’s creators. We chatted with Julian Fellowes, who has written every episode of the program, and executive producer Gareth Neame on Friday at a TV academy event celebrating this year’s nominated producers (watch both below).
Related: Complete list of 2015 Creative Arts Emmy winners
They each provide a few tidbits and secrets without giving too much away about the last season, which debuts in the U.K. this Sunday and in the U.S. next January.
Fellowes says, “It has been a big part of our lives for six years. I went to the very last scene that was shot in the Ritz. We had to shoot all night because we couldn’t start shooting until the customers had finished their dinner and left. The Ritz was a very fitting moment to wind the series up.”
Neame adds, “People say these things are going to be moving, and it really was moving. There were a lot of tears and a massive event for everyone involved in it. He also reveals that he makes an appearance himself in the finale with “a wig and mustache on.”
Supporting players Jim Carter and Joanne Froggatt contend on Sunday as does the show. According to exclusive Gold Derby odds, the top prize is predicted to go to “Game of Thrones,” which has leading odds of 5/6 after a record-setting haul of eight trophies at last Saturday’s Creative Arts ceremony. “Mad Men” is next at 13/8; if it prevails, that would give it the all-time lead of five wins breaking a tie with “Hill Street Blues,” “L.A. Law,” and “The West Wing.”
Related: Watch our complete Emmy webchats with Julian Fellowes and Gareth Neame
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