Downton Abbey stars to make millions in new contracts

The stars of popular period drama Downton Abbey have been offered $150 million (£1 million) deals to keep them signed to the show for the next three years, according to a U.K. report. The British drama, which has become a huge hit around the world, was plagued by character exits during the last season as castmembers including Dan Stevens and Jessica Brown Findlay quit to pursue careers in Hollywood.
A new report now suggests TV bosses have locked in the remaining stars, including Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville and Laura Carmichael, with massive pay rises and three-year contracts.
An insider tells British newspaper The Sun, “Downton’s charm is tradition so bosses were desperate to secure the show’s big names. All the major characters are now on big deals.”
Filming on the upcoming fourth season of Downton Abbey is currently underway in the U.K.