Joanna Lumley - Joanna Lumley Lands Downton Abbey Cameo

The Absolutely Fabulous star missed out on the period drama, set around the home of an early 20th century aristocratic family, on its original U.K. run because she was starring in a Broadway play, but fell in love with the series when she returned home - watching every episode in one sitting.

Lumley was so impressed with the programme she pestered its creator Julian Fellowes to write her a part.

She says, "I can't measure how much I want to be in it. But I have had a word with the writer (Fellowes) and I put his arm behind his back - and I'm certain to be in one of the future series.

"I didn't see it when it came out because I was in the States. So I came back and sat down to watch all the episodes one after the other, like eating a box of chocolates."

Downton Abbey is up for Outstanding Miniseries or Movie and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for Elizabeth MCGovern at this year's (11) Primetime Emmy Awards.