Fans of Downton Abbey may get a chance to find out about the background of some of their favourite characters.

Writer Julian Fellowes is planning a prequel to the hit series he created. It would by set during a time when many wealthy American heiresses were in London, being chased by cash-strapped English nobility, including a young Earl of Grantham.

The award-winning series is into its third season in Britain, and will be seen here in the New Year. There are rumours that some of the leading characters … including Dan Stevens who plays Matthew Crawley … won’t be back for another season. The British producer is eager to have another Downton story to tell once the original has run its course.