Richmond was abuzz as Downton Abbey’s stars filed into town yesterday for a special BAFTA tribute evening at Richmond Theatre.

Famous faces flocked to the Richmond Theatre to attend the extravaganza which saw the British drama receive a special award celebrating the global success of the programme.

Cast members such as Hugh Bonneville, Dan Stevens, Penelope Wilton, Joanne Froggatt and Lily James joined show creator Julian Fellowes and the non-Downton stars such as Julie Walters at the evening, which was hosted by Jonathan Ross and will be broadcast on ITV later in the year.

At the evening, Fellowes hinted to Press Association that the drama may not be completely finished once the sixth and final series has aired on television.

The writer said he would not be surprised if the ITV show had “some afterlife” when the Emmy Award-winning programme ends later this year.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if it had some afterlife because it’s been such a strong force. But it’s definitely finished on television. That’s it,” he said.

The 65-year-old said Downton Abbey was “a huge part” of his life, but he believes he has made the correct decision to call time on the drama.

“I think it’s right to stop when people are sorry and not when people are relieved,” he said.

Asked what he will miss most about the show, Julian said: “It was quite nice having a continuous strain in your life for some years. It was almost like being a grown up. And I think I’ll miss that a bit.”

On whether he would want to be involved with Downton Abbey returning in another form in future, its creator added: “Ooh, I’m not sure I could trust my baby to another nurse!”

However, Downton star Hugh Bonneville said he believes it would have been “a misstep” for the show to continue beyond series six.

The 51-year-old who plays Lord Grantham said he was “looking forward to growing a beard” now that he has finished filming the show.

“I’ve started already. That’s my ritual at the end of Downton, so no more getting up and shaving at 5am.”

On why it was good that Downton was ending  now, Hugh said: “I think it could have been squeezed out for another couple of series, but I think Julian would have run out of ideas.

“We’ve been blessed by having a writer who’s got a fund of stories to play with, and these characters that have been fully-formed over the last six years. And I think to have extended it would have been, I think, a bit of a misstep.”

After the event, an after party was held on Richmond Green.

Penelope Wilton arrived well-prepared for the drizzly skies in a funky fuschia coat.

Penelope Wilton at the BAFTA Celebrates Downton Abbey event(Ian West/PA)

 

While Joanne Froggatt braved the windy weather in an intricately embellish white gown.

Joanne Froggatt at the BAFTA Celebrates Downton Abbey event(Ian West/PA)

 

Cora Crawley (aka Elizabeth McGovern) rocked a cream silk number teamed with magenta heels.

Elizabeth McGovern at the BAFTA Celebrates Downton Abbey event(Ian West/PA)

 

And Laura Carmichael opted for a floral, empire-line gown, while Michelle Dockery stunned in a floor-length monochrome dress.

Laura Carmichael and Michelle Dockery at the BAFTA Celebrates Downton Abbey event(Ian West/PA)

 

Downton Abbey-turned-Cinderella actress Lily James looked as elegant as ever in a simple white gown and a matching pair of Louboutin Youpis.

Lily James at the BAFTA Celebrates Downton Abbey event(Ian West/PA)

 

And Raquel Cassidy braved the breezy climate in a sheer, black number.

Raquel Cassidy at the BAFTA Celebrates Downton Abbey event(Ian West/PA)

 

Cara Theobold (formerly known as Downton’s Ivy Stuart) made an appearance in an asymmetric navy gown, clinched at the waist with a gold belt.

Cara Theobold at the BAFTA Celebrates Downton Abbey event(Ian West/PA)

 

Oh and the great Julie Walters was among the non-Downton stars to grace the event – and in great style, may we add.

Julie Walters at the BAFTA Celebrates Downton Abbey event(Jonathan Short/AP/PA)

 

But it wasn’t just the females who managed to dazzle the red carpet, Downton’s male stars – both present and past – were looking rather dapper themselves.

Jim Carter and David Robb at the BAFTA Celebrates Downton Abbey event(Ian West/PA)

 

Dan Stevens at the BAFTA Celebrates Downton Abbey event(Ian West/PA)

 

Hugh Bonneville and Lulu Williams at the BAFTA Celebrates Downton Abbey event(Jonathan Short/AP/PA)

 

Julian Fellowes and Emma Joy Kitchener at the BAFTA Celebrates Downton Abbey event(Ian West/PA)