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    “Downton Abbey” honored by BAFTA at star-studded ceremony

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    In this Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011 file photo, from left, actress Michelle Dockery, producer Rebecca Eaton, actress Joanne Froggatt, creator Julian Fellowes and actress Elizabeth McGovern are seen backstage with the award for outstanding miniseries or movie for "Downton Abbey" at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards on in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, file)
    LONDON (AP) --

    Just like its fans around the world, "Downton Abbey" creator Julian Fellowes doesn't seem to be able to let this series go so easily.

    The British writer has not even wrapped shooting the last scene for the sixth — and final — season of the wildly successful series, but he is already gunning for a movie.

    "I doubt it would be a prequel. I mean, if the movie happens it would be a continuous one with the same people," he said in London Tuesday before a British Film and Television Academy ceremony honoring the series.

    "I'd like a movie. I think it'd be fun," he added.

    "BAFTA Celebrates 'Downton Abbey'" was a chance for the cast members, who finish shooting this week and have already said a number of goodbyes, to have an instant reunion.

    Some — like Laura Carmichael, who plays Lady Edith — still have a few days to prepare emotionally for the last "cut."

    "The last day is Friday," she said. "I've already blubbed saying goodbye to different cast members, so I'm sure I won't be able to speak."

    Elizabeth McGovern said that she wasn't as stoic as she thought she'd be.

    "I decided I wouldn't cry, but I did. I shed a few tears," confided McGovern.

    Her on-screen husband Hugh Bonneville, who plays Lord Grantham, took a more practical approach to saying goodbye to cast members he's worked with for the past six years.

    "I finished yesterday along with Michelle Dockery (who plays Lady Mary) and Allen Leech (who plays Tom Branson)," he reported, "and we had a pint in the pub to say farewell."

    The stars agreed they'll miss the friends they've made along the way — and will also hate giving up their cinematic alter egos.

    "I will miss being Mrs. Hughes," said Phyllis Logan, "because she's become part of me for the past six years. So, yeah, I need to hang up the keys and go on for the rest of my life without her."

    Other cast members attending the event included Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Jim Carter and Joanne Froggatt, as well as previous cast members including Dan Stevens, Nigel Harmon and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

    Producers Julian Fellowes, Liz Trubridge and Gareth Neame were presented with a BAFTA Special Award by Julie Walters for the impact the show has had on global audiences. Only the "Harry Potter" franchise team got awarded a similar trophy.

    "I think this show has quietly waved a flag for Britain abroad as the success of the show has proceeded around the world, so it's wonderful that BAFTA is saying, 'We acknowledge that,' and it's the end of an era for us," said Bonneville ahead of the ceremony.

    The sixth season of "Downton Abbey" will start airing in September 2015 in the UK and in early 2016 in the US.

    Tags:BAFTADownton AbbeyPBS



    DirecTV calls off acquisition of rival Dish, possibly ending a yearslong pursuit

    Friday, November 22, 2024
    Dish Network satellite dishes are shown at an apartment complex in Palo Alto, Calif., Feb. 23, 2011. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

    DirecTV is calling off its planned acquisition of rival Dish after the offer was rejected by bond holders at that company.

    The deal was reliant on Dish bond holders agreeing to trade in the debt they held for debt in the new company, a swap that would have cost them about $1.6 billion, collectively.

    The retreat by DirecTV this week may end a years-long effort by the company to acquire both Dish and Sling after it announced the bid in September.

    DirecTV was looking to acquire Dish TV and Sling TV from its owner EchoStar in a debt exchange transaction that included a payment of $1, plus the assumption of approximately $9.8 billion in debt. The deal was contingent on several factors, including regulatory approvals and bondholders writing off debt related to Dish.

    "While we believed a combination of DirecTV and Dish would have benefited all stakeholders, we have terminated the transaction because the proposed exchange terms were necessary to protect DirecTV's balance sheet and our operational flexibility," DirecTV CEO Bill Morrow said in a statement.

    The prospect of a DirecTV-Dish combo has long been rumored, and reported talks resurfaced over the years. And the two almost merged more than two decades ago — but the Federal Communications Commission blocked the deal valued at the time at $18.5 billion deal, citing antitrust concerns.

    The pay-for-TV market has shifted significantly since. As more and more consumers tune into online streaming platforms, demand for more traditional satellite entertainment continues to shrink.

    DirecTV says that it will continue to invest in next-generation streaming platforms and offer new packaging options while integrating content from live TV alongside direct-to-consumer... Read More

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