At the recent premiere of “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” in New York City, actor Harry Hadden-Paton, known for his role as Herbert “Bertie” Pelham in the beloved series, shared an amusing anecdote with PEOPLE. The actor, aged 44, revealed that he had been asked by the movie crew to return a suit he had originally taken from the set of “Downton Abbey” a decade ago. The crew kindly requested the return of the stolen three-piece suit that Hadden-Paton had kept in his possession since the series concluded.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Hadden-Paton humorously recounted the crew’s request for the suit, stating, “I stole a suit that was at the end of the series that they asked back as soon as we did the movie.” Despite losing the cherished suit, the actor took the incident in stride, mentioning, “They were like, ‘Can we have that suit back?’ And I was [grumpy face], and it was fine because I hadn’t worn it in all the time, like when was I going to wear a three-piece suit?” Hadden-Paton also shared that he still keeps the program from his character’s wedding as a special memento.
Playing the role of Bertie, the Marquess of Hexham, in the series, Hadden-Paton’s character is known for his shy and titled persona, who becomes romantically involved with Lady Edith Crawley, portrayed by Laura Carmichael. The on-screen couple’s marriage led Edith to outrank the rest of her family at Downton Abbey, adding layers of drama to the narrative. While Hadden-Paton was unsuccessful in maintaining his stolen suit, his co-star Hugh Bonneville, who plays Lord Grantham, admitted to pilfering various props from the set.
Bonneville previously confessed to liberating a letter from the character Henry Talbot, played by Matthew Goode, and a telegram announcing the onset of World War I from the show’s first season. The nostalgic sentimentality felt by the cast members towards the props and costumes from “Downton Abbey” showcases the deep connection and affection they hold for the series and its memorable moments.
The upcoming film, “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” promises to provide closure to fans of the long-running franchise. The movie, set to premiere on September 12, will feature a star-studded cast including Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, and Paul Giamatti among others, as they navigate the uncertain future of the estate as a family. The plot follows the Crawley family and their loyal staff as they confront challenges and uncertainties, highlighting themes of togetherness and resilience.
As the curtains close on the beloved world of “Downton Abbey,” fans eagerly anticipate the cinematic culmination of the series that has captivated audiences worldwide. With a blend of nostalgia and anticipation, the final instalment promises to deliver a fitting farewell to the iconic characters and their timeless tales. Through stolen suits and cherished memories, the legacy of “Downton Abbey” lives on, etched in the hearts of its devoted fans.