Michelle Dockery: Downton needs the drama

Michelle Dockery thinks Downton Abbey wouldn't be the same without the "banter and bickering".

The actress plays Lady Mary Crawley in the popular British period drama, with Laura Carmichael her often overlooked sister Lady Edith.

With the show coming to an end in its sixth series this year, Michelle promises there will be just as much sniping between the siblings.

"Yes, we love the banter and the bickering - that's a big part of the relationship and the reason that Laura and I love the characters. It would be boring if they were mates," she smiled to the British edition of OK! magazine.

Laura added: "The nice thing is that both Lady Mary and Lady Edith have created independent lives for themselves - they both have jobs, although that means they're envious of one another."

Downton Abbey has racked up quite a celebrity following, with the likes of Johnny Depp and Katy Perry admitting they can't get enough of it. Its popularity has also meant the cast have attended awards dos with some of showbiz's biggest names.

"I'm never going to get over meeting P. Diddy, who's a big fan, at the Golden Globes, it was pretty awesome," Michelle gushed.

Meanwhile Laura's favourite celeb encounter featured Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins.

"I'll always remember when we were filming in the same studio as Anthony Hopkins and he was asking me questions about [Lady Edith's daughter] Marigold, so he clearly watches the show. That was overwhelming," she marvelled.