Clooney's kiss for Maggie Smith

Dame Maggie Smith “collapsed” when George Clooney gave her a kiss.

Rumours have been circulating the handsome Hollywood actor is set to appear in a charity episode of Downton Abbey.

And now Tom Cullen, who plays Lord Anthony (Foyle) Gillingham, has confirmed George paid a visit to the set and successfully wooed his 79-year-old co-star.

“I wasn’t in on that day, but I know he gave Maggie a kiss and she collapsed onto the sofa...” he laughed on British TV show Lorraine.

“He’s a very handsome man, isn’t he'”

It’s thought George, 53, is set to play an American character who visits for a wedding at a country estate.

The show is set to broadcast at Christmas and was written to raise money for charity Text Santa.

While a spokesperson for the actor would reveal he has filmed scenes for a “sketch”, it was denied he will appear in a full festive episode and no further details were revealed.

"All the plans have been shrouded in secrecy because George was determined for his role not to leak out,” a source told UK newspaper The Sun.

"All the other cast members and crew were also sworn to secrecy. It's amazing it's taken four months for someone to find out. This is the biggest moment in Downton history and shows it's now the biggest drama in the world."

George is known to be a fan of the show, which has amassed popularity on a global scale. He’s also friends with Hugh Bonneville, who plays Robert Crawley on the drama show.