It’s been over a decade since Dan Stevens made the bold decision to leave Downton Abbey, and fans are still talking about it. His portrayal of Matthew Crawley was one of the show’s cornerstones, making his departure in the season 3 Christmas special all the more shocking. But why did Stevens decide to walk away from what was, at the time, one of the most successful British dramas on television?
When Matthew Crawley met his untimely end in a car accident, fans were left reeling.
The decision to kill off the character wasn’t originally planned but was necessitated by Stevens' departure. His exit created one of the most memorable and heartbreaking moments in television history, but it left many wondering why he would choose to leave at the height of the show’s success.

In a recent interview, Stevens opened up about the fear and discomfort he felt when deciding to leave Downton Abbey.
He was concerned about being typecast as a romantic lead and wanted to explore a wider range of roles. The actor was driven by a desire for creative freedom and the opportunity to take on more diverse projects.
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