Downton Abbey will end with season six

Downton Abbey is to end after the next series.

The popular TV show has won countless awards since its beginning in 2010, including Golden Globes, Emmys and BAFTAs, and has made household names out of the likes of Michelle Dockery and Dan Stevens.

Despite its popularity, executive producer Gareth Neame has now announced Downton Abbey is to end once the sixth series finishes.

“Millions of people around the world have followed the journey of the Crawley family and those who serve them for the last five years. Inevitably there comes a time when all shows should end and Downton is no exception. We wanted to close the doors of Downton Abbey when it felt right and natural for the storylines to come together and when the show was still being enjoyed so much by its fans," he said in a statement, adding that there will be plenty of drama and excitement ahead of the finale.

Creator-and-writer Julian Fellowes, who also acts as executive producer, shared some words. He describes the show's journey as "amazing" and that he and the cast and crew had no idea how successful it would become.

"Exactly why the series had such an impact and reached so many people around the world, all nationalities, all ages, all types, I cannot begin to explain," he mused. "But I do know how grateful we are to have been allowed this unique experience. I suspect the show will always be a principal marker in most of our careers as we set out from here, and if so, I consider that a blessing and a compliment."

Downton Abbey has captured the world's hearts with its storylines based about an aristocratic family and their antics from 1912 to the mid-20s.

And the stars of the show have certainly reaped the benefits, with Lily James landing the title role in Kenneth Branagh's Cinderella thanks to impressing in the part of Lady Rose MacClare.

Season six kicks off later this year.