Downton Abbey finale tops 10 million viewers

Maggie Smith - ITVThe second season finale of ITV’s hit drama Downton Abbey had nearly 11 million viewers.

The 90-minute special saw Spanish Flu hit the household with several members, such as Countess Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) and Carson (Jim Carter) struck down by the illness. The finale also saw one character killed off by the Spanish Flu though ITV accidentally revealed the character when it officially announced a third season earlier this week and published a full cast list for the new series.

According to overnight figures Downton Abbey’s second season finale was seen by 10.5 million viewers with an additional 310,000 watching via ITV +1, the time-shift channel. That gives the episode a combined audience of 10.8 million viewers and doubtless that figure will rise further when consolidated ratings are released.