George Clooney to Guest Star in Short Film Special Set Around 'Downton Abbey'
George Clooney has just married British barrister Amal Alamuddin, and now, he is about to star in a short film special set around the British period drama "Downton Abbey."
The show released a new clip wherein Lady Cora is seen approaching a man, who is seen talking to Lady Rose MacClare, and Cora says, "Dearest, Lord and Lady Carlisle have asked us over for dinner tonight."
The man, who Lady Cora assumes is her husband, the Earl of Grantham, turns around and reveals himself as Clooney and not in fact her husband.
The sketch is for ITV's Text Santa campaign, which is an annual fundraiser held to benefit a host of charities. The sketch will air on Dec. 19 on ITV and features Clooney as an American wedding guest at the Crawley's estate. The actor is thought to have taken on the role after making friends with Hugh Bonneville during their time filming "The Monuments Men." Bonneville plays Robert Crawley in "Downton Abbey."
In an interview with the Daily Mirror, Laura Carmichael, who plays Lady Edith Crawley on the show, talked about the experience of filming with the famous Hollywood actor.
"He's completely gorgeous but also an incredible talent. His career is incredible. He's a very kind and brilliant man," said Carmichael.
The actress also revealed that Clooney will be planting a kiss on the Dowager Countess, played by Dame Maggie Smith, during his appearance.
"George plants a kiss and Maggie ends up on the floor, it's wonderful. He was hilarious," she added.
Meanwhile, Bonneville was also very happy with his friend's participation in the "Downton"-themed sketch.
"He was incredibly generous with his time and his talent," said Bonneville in an interview with Radio Times. "He was great—he was a good laugh and sprinkled some sort of magic dust over our experience."
