Behind the Scenes of Downton Abbey: Hilarious Moments You Didn’t See On Screen
Fans of Downton Abbey know it as a serious period drama, but behind the scenes, the cast shared plenty of light-hearted and funny moments that never made it to the final cut. From Maggie Smith wielding a glowing toy sword to actresses sporting headphones and smartphones beneath their Edwardian costumes, the set was full of unexpected humor.
Maggie Smith: A Sword-Wielding Dowager Countess?
One of the most iconic behind-the-scenes moments involved the legendary Maggie Smith, known for her sharp-tongued character, the Dowager Countess.
In a playful twist, Smith was spotted on set holding a glowing toy sword, completely out of character yet delightfully hilarious. This image of the aristocratic Dowager breaking into playfulness is one that left both cast and crew in stitches. “Maggie is full of surprises,” co-star Penelope Wilton commented, “You never know what she’ll do next.”

A Modern Twist in Edwardian Times: Cast’s Hidden Gadgets
Though the show meticulously portrayed the early 20th century, the actresses were very much in touch with the modern world between takes. Beneath the layers of period-specific costumes, it wasn’t unusual to find the leading ladies listening to music on their headphones or checking their smartphones.
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