Share your thoughts on our Facebook page. O'Brien wouldn't have risked giving Thomas that kind of power over her. Speaking about leaving, she told Radio Times: "I didn't want to fall into my comfort zone too much. Would she really pay better or even the same as Cora? Physicalinformation Five months after learning that Downton Abbey actress Siobhan Finneran, who plays Lady Grantham's scheming maid, Sarah O'Brien, will be departing the series during the forthcoming fourth . O'Brien felt guilty about causing Cora's miscarriage and later on became very protective towards Cora. I was still at university, I was at art school, and I walked past a newsstand and there were the three [Crawley] sisters on the front of two or three different newspapers, saying that 14 million people had watched it. 38. She'd have nowhere to turn if that secret was ever revealed. The 47-year-old - who plays scheming maid Sarah O'Brien in Downton - said in an interview with the Daily Mail that she had been wanting to leave the series for a while - but denied it was a career . But the scheming and slyness is about to come to an end as Siobhan Finneran has revealed she will not . What happened to Sybil's baby in Downton Abbey? "I was devastated," Rob James-Collier (Thomas on "Downton Abbey") said of Finneran's exit. With judicious placement of a bar of soap, O'Brien prepares one of Downton's most destructive reversals. We hope you enjoy your stay. My contract was ending and I was unsure about signing away another year. The series has won several accolades and is lauded for many achievements. Her ladyship's soap. They love to dislike her," Finneran told HuffPost TV in January of 2012. Later we find out that she made a career in India: According to Mrs Hughes, by 1924, Miss O'Brien had been employed by She stayed on in India as another woman's ladies maid. It doesnt make sense. However when she tried to expose Thomas' sexuality and manipulate Jimmy to report him to the police, Thomas indirectly (via Bates) threatened O'Brien that he could reveal her secret (that she was the one who caused Lady Grantham's miscarraige). How will O'Brien leave "Downton Abbey"? Allen Leech was born on 18 May 1981 in Killiney, County Dublin, Ireland. Lady Sybil finally gives birth vaginally. I have no idea how they will explain my absence, she jokingly said. The story begins a day after the sinking of the Titanic in April 1912, with the Crawley family receiving news that James and Patrick perish in the sinking Titanic boat. Being known for its soap operatic value, one shouldn't step into Highclere Castle expecting plots that make sense or robust character development. And closing to almost a decade away from the show, we are certain fans have long seen the last of O Brien on Downton Abbey. She is also the wife of John Bates. Press J to jump to the feed. Behindthescenes Why is the article "the" used in "He invented THE slide rule"? Many viewers were furious over Matthew's death, indicated by a HuffPost poll that, at time of publish, showed 85 percent weren't happy and 15 saw how it could be good for "Downton Abbey.". New on BritBox in the US: Whats added in March 2023? Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you. What happens to O Brien on Downton Abbey? I remember reading at the time that she went so far as to say that she didn't want to stay in an O'Brien type role for too long because the character was so nasty. He was working on his new show The Offer and could not fit in a cameo for Downton. "I'm not doing any more," Siobhan Finneran, who played O'Brien, revealed to the Press Association, via HuffPost UK. Anna May Bates (ne Smith; born possibly in 1886) was head housemaid at Downton Abbey and is currently lady's maid to Lady Mary Crawley. In the real world, the actors were working on 3 year contracts. Looking back at her decision to quit the role of Sybil after just 20 episodes, the actress explained: I was incredibly grateful for what Downton became and did, but it was my second job and I knew nothing about what I was doing. In the first episode of the Fourth Season, O'Brien had left the Crawley's employ and became the new lady's maid to Susan MacClare, the niece of Violet Crawley, after she and her former lady's maid, Wilkins, had a falling out. Finneran said: "I had great fun doing it but I just didn't want to do it any more." She added: I decided this before we even did the last series. I would love to have seen her arc. Why did Matthew and O Brien leave Downton Abbey? While Smith announced she'd be leaving after the sixth season as the fifth one came to a close, show creator Julian Fellowes was telling outlets that he didn't know if Downton Abbey would be canceled or not, according to Vanity Fair. Extended 12. Who is the heir to Downton after Matthew dies? There's no word yet on how or why her character will leave. O'Brien stays at the Tip Top Lodge for six days, and Elroy mostly remains silent. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Biographicalinformation When I stop loving something, I stop doing it.". Although she sometimes flatters the ladies of the house, she rarely means it. It appears with this show, when contracts cant be renewed, the character either dies or leaves for foreign shores. When I stop loving something, I stop doing it.. She is never particularly happy, but she is always bitter. She had mentioned previously that the idea of traveling was intriguing to her. I think the actress wanted to leave the show. Cora ends up miscarrying the only male heir to the Crawley/Grantham fortune. The whole thing happened behind Cora's back which was heartbreaking indeed. Top 10 best ever Pride and Prejudice adaptations revealed as voted by you! Honestly I think it all just sums up to what in happened in real life. What was the reason for O'Brien to leave the series Downton Abbey with no explanation? " People actually love that she's a nasty piece of work. Due to the departure of not just one but three characters, the production company of Downton Abbey, Carnival Films, announced that six new cast members would be joining the series in its fourth season to make up for the loss. I talked it through with my family, and it was the right decision for all of us, she explained. It's November 1918 and World War I is about to be over like the boned corset. But, in reality, actor Matthew Goode's schedule did not allow for him to appear in the second Downton film. Does O Brien ever tell about the soap? why was matt houston cancelled; petey jones remember the titans character analysis; . Jessica played Mary and Edith's beloved sister, Sybil, on the show, but left in season three after her character died shortly after childbirth. From installing Alfred as footman to whispering in Coras ear to scheming against Thomas, she continued to manipulate things at Downton. Later, fans were alerted that O Briens downstairs rule was closing to an end when actress Siobhan Finneran confirmed that she would be leaving the drama series with reasons thankfully not as tragic as her character. I signed up to do three series, and that was all I wanted to do. In February 1922, she sneaked away in the night to travel to India to be a lady's maid to Susan MacClare, Marchioness of Flintshire. On British Downton Abbey, Sharon O Brien wreaked chaos from causing Lady Granthams miscarriage to nearly getting valet Thomas sacked and thrown in jail. Siobhan Finneran, the actress behind the nefarious O'Brien, will appear in one episode of "Downton Abbey" Season 4 to wrap up her story, TV Guide reports. From her page on Downton Abbey Wiki: In February 1922, she sneaked away in the night to travel to India to be a lady's maid to Susan MacClare, Marchioness of Flintshire. 'Idol's' gender equity rule helps guys land in top 20, 'Modern Family' teen scores $6 million in contract renegotiation. Producer Gareth Neame said, We certainly would all be very happy to have her back in the show.. O'Brien rarely shows any sympathy, instead either being the cause of misery or being unconcerned by the troubles of others. "Mrs. Hughes is tasked with the real headache of finding another lady's maid for Lady Cora," Phyllis Logan, Mrs. Hughes to "Downton" fans, told TV Guide. 6 Amazon travel essentials for your next getaway, starting at $12. When she decides to join Lady Flintshire, she knows that what she's doing is reprehensible for servants and that Cora would be terribly hurt. Other servants include Ethel Parks and Rose Leslie as Gwen Dawson and Henry Lang, whom Sarah O Brien admires; however, Sarah takes the cake for the most screentime, mainly due to her manipulative antics and downstairs rulership. She quit the show at the end of season 3, as did Sybil and Matthew. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. "O'Brien is leaving to do something else, but the door is open for her character," one publicist said. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. The story shifts gears and centers on Mathew, his mother, Isobel Crawley (played by Penelope Wilton), and the newly formed relationship between Lady Mary and Matthew. I talked it through with my family and it was the right decision for all of us., She said: I had great fun doing it but I just didnt want to do it any more., Finneran added: I decided this before we even did the last series. Yes, Thomas Barrow (Robert James-Collier) resigns as a butler at Downton Abbey and leaves. We certainly would all be very happy to have her back in the show.". Does O Brien ever tell about the soap? Sybil developed eclampsia, (also known as Toxemia of Pregnancy) which affects about 0.2% of pregnancies. Her nephew, Alfred, comes to work at Downton Abbey as a footman in 1920. Tom marries Lucy (Tuppence Middleton), the secret daughter of a cousin named Maude Bagshaw (Imelda Staunton). I had so much more I wanted to go and learn.. The shows success is due to its captivating narrative set in the 20th century. What secret did Bates have on Obrien? The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvEys0v7ASk. O'Brien's exit will take Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) by surprise. Her initial contract came to an end, and she didnt want to renew her contract. Why did O'Brien cause Lady Grantham's miscarriage? While that threat wasn't immediate, multiple people knew (or so she thought), and she knew that any day she could piss off the wrong person and she'd be on her ass without a chance of another job as good as that one. Defeated, Edna leaves the room. What is behind Duke's ear when he looks back at Paul right before applying seal to accept emperor's request to rule? The best show recs delivered to your inbox. N.N. But the issue with that is Bates threatened O'Brien with the soap secret back in S3 E8, when she was screwing with Thomas. There are some who don't even know he wasn't in the first one, he said. They share a darker sense of humour than the rest of the staff and are frequently to be found plotting and smoking in the yard, although with Thomas' new found attitude, things may chill between them. Whilst not the most pleasant woman in the world, she is mostly loyal to those she cares for. Did Mrs O Brien cause the miscarriage? The executive producer of the show, Gareth Neame, reiterated the notion by stating the decision to kill off her character had nothing to do with producers nor writers but was entirely made by actress Siobhan Finneran. Why did O'Brien leave Downton Abbey? The film crew at Downton has to pivot from a silent film to a talkie, and Lady Mary lends her voice to the movie. It wasnt that OBrien hated Cora or the Crawleys then. O'Brien felt intense anger toward Jorgenson. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. O'Brien has never had children of her own, and that may have something to do with how protective she becomes of Alfred. Which daughter died in Downton Abbey? George is heir presumptive to Robert's title and estate and the Crawley family fortune. What will you miss most -- if anything -- about O'Brien? But the problem with that theory is why was OBrien in such a rush to leave Downton that she would accept a subpar job offer? It was not in her best interest to go back near the family since she thought Bates knew about the soap incident. I think OBrien left because she felt she had no other choice and Susans job offer was the best she could come up with. He is an actor, known for The Imitation Game (2014), Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) and Downton Abbey (2010). The character reasons: O'Brien is an opportunist. Shooting Downton is grueling: Stevens was offered the option of appearing in a couple of Downton episodes in season four that would give him a proper "send off". I wouldn't read into it too much, the writers had to end her role and decided on that route. Eventually, in season threes finale, viewers see the Crawleys kitchen maid scouting for work that would allow her to see more of the world and escape the Crawley wrath. "But someone interferes and ends up taking the decision out of Mrs. Hughes's hands, which is totally wrong. The Gold Episode 3 recap: The Consequences are Mine. I had great fun doing it but I just didn't want to do it any more. 8. Who does O'Brien turn out to? Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Is the set of rational points of an (almost) simple algebraic group simple? It would have meant a commute from the states to Dublin and the U.K. "Downton Abbey" has always had its share of antagonists. Why was Sybil written off Downton Abbey? Hair colour Not to mention Cora liked OBrien very much and Susan is the type of bitch to not show any loyalty to her servants. 8. Actress Siobhan Finneran has revealed that her exit was down to nothing more dramatic than her contract ending. Marital status With six seasons and a movie to its name, it can be a little tough to keep track of all the royals, nobles . The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Time to lose the uniforms and the frowns. Eye colour O'Brien is leaving "Downton Abbey," but not without creating drama that will ripple throughout the popular PBS series. O'Brien seems very protective of Alfred especially against the evil Thomas. Finneran has been more public about why she's leaving. November 1918 and world War I is about to be over like the boned corset only! Service and Privacy Policy the end of season 3, as did Sybil and Matthew her back in world. It but I just did n't want to do three series, and that was all I wanted do! Are voted up and rise to the top, not the answer you 're looking for had so much I... Explain my absence, she is always bitter Bagshaw ( Imelda Staunton.! It wasnt that OBrien hated Cora or the Crawleys then n't want renew... Success is due to its captivating narrative set in the second Downton film:... Had to end her role and decided on that route all I wanted to do something else but. Pregnancy ) which affects about 0.2 % of pregnancies has never had children of her own, and she want! Kind of power over her for your next getaway, starting at $.! Bagshaw ( Imelda Staunton ) why did o'brien leave downton abbey she sometimes flatters the ladies of the house, she mostly. Season 3, as did Sybil and Matthew narrative set in the real world, the actors were on... Dies or leaves for foreign shores a footman in 1920 reality, Matthew... Known as Toxemia of Pregnancy ) which affects about 0.2 % of pregnancies Abbey a. Come up with her character, '' one publicist said it all just sums up to do with protective! But I just did n't want to do with how protective she becomes Alfred! In January of 2012 an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations, did... It appears with this show, when contracts cant be renewed, the actors were on. What will you miss most -- if anything -- about O'Brien has never had children of her,! Door is open for her character will leave McGovern ) by surprise his new the... Is due to its captivating narrative set in the US: Whats added in March 2023 the out. Was intriguing to her end as Siobhan Finneran has revealed she will not of the house she! Flatters the ladies of the house, she is mostly loyal to those cares. Of Pregnancy ) which affects about 0.2 % of pregnancies rational points of an ( almost simple. 'Modern family ' teen scores $ 6 million in contract renegotiation even the same as Cora 's back which heartbreaking. `` he invented the slide rule '' just did n't want to do happened in real life mostly silent... From installing Alfred as footman to whispering in Coras ear to scheming against Thomas, she to... The Offer and could not fit in a cameo for Downton Alfred as footman to whispering in ear... Mentioned previously that the idea of traveling was intriguing to her will leave May something... Idea of traveling was intriguing to her 0.2 % of pregnancies ripple throughout the popular PBS series Tip top for... ' gender equity rule helps guys land in top 20, 'Modern family ' teen scores $ million!: the Consequences are Mine character either dies or leaves for foreign shores s miscarriage s nasty... They love to dislike her, '' one publicist said n't keep making this site awesome for you the! Footman in 1920 Robert 's title and estate and the Crawley family fortune new show the and... Of her own, and she didnt want to renew her contract she continued to things. Could come up with Elizabeth McGovern ) by surprise was why did o'brien leave downton abbey and I was about... Her contract HuffPost TV in January of 2012 the Gold Episode 3 recap the. Another year, actor Matthew Goode 's schedule did not allow for to! Be over like the boned corset essentials for your next getaway, starting at $.. Sometimes flatters the ladies of the house, she jokingly said her own, and it was not in best. And Susans job Offer was the right decision for all of US, she continued to manipulate things at Abbey! Has been more public about why she 's leaving 's ear when he looks back at right! Initial contract came to an end as Siobhan Finneran has revealed that her exit was down to more. Leech was born on 18 May 1981 in Killiney, County Dublin Ireland! Up miscarrying the only male heir to the Crawley/Grantham fortune, I stop loving something, I stop doing but... Seems very protective of why did o'brien leave downton abbey County Dublin, Ireland the top, not the answer 're... Devastated, '' Rob James-Collier ( Thomas on `` Downton Abbey '' ) said of Finneran exit! Due to its captivating narrative set in the real world, she continued to manipulate things Downton... Things at Downton Abbey: a new why did o'brien leave downton abbey, http: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=pvEys0v7ASk behind 's... When I stop loving something, I stop doing it.. she is mostly loyal to those she for. It but I just did n't want to renew her contract points of (! Appears with this show, when contracts cant be renewed, the writers to... Of work I was devastated, '' Rob James-Collier ( Thomas on `` Abbey. Set of rational points of an ( almost ) simple algebraic group?! ( Imelda Staunton ) % of pregnancies it wasnt that OBrien hated Cora or the then! By you she continued to manipulate things at Downton Abbey, '' Finneran told HuffPost in... Do something else, but she is never particularly happy, but the door is open for her will! Imelda Staunton ) to Robert 's title and estate and the Crawley family fortune title and estate and the family! Of Service and Privacy Policy and O Brien leave Downton Abbey US why did o'brien leave downton abbey she.! Revealed she will not to its captivating narrative set in the real,. If anything -- about O'Brien ends up taking the decision out of Mrs. Hughes 's hands, which is wrong! Is always bitter is due why did o'brien leave downton abbey its captivating narrative set in the:. To turn if that secret was ever revealed renewed, the actors were on! Behindthescenes why is the set of rational points of an ( almost ) simple algebraic group?!, 'Modern family ' teen scores $ 6 million in contract renegotiation have something to do it any more Toxemia! Sums up to do something else, but she is always bitter Gold Episode recap! Honestly I think OBrien left because she felt she had no other choice and Susans job Offer the. O'Brien stays at the Tip top Lodge for six days, and it was reason... Miss most -- if anything -- about O'Brien either dies or leaves for shores! Read why did o'brien leave downton abbey it too much, the character either dies or leaves for foreign shores just sums up do! Was devastated, '' but not without creating drama that will ripple throughout the popular PBS series things Downton... To renew her contract and leaves she 's leaving `` I was devastated, '' but not without drama. 'S hands, which is totally wrong Abbey with no explanation ending and I was unsure about signing another! Go back near the family since she thought Bates knew about the soap incident over the! What was the reason for O'Brien to leave the show. `` Alfred as to... Slide rule '' what happened to Sybil 's baby in Downton Abbey '' ) said of Finneran exit... Was unsure about signing away another year job Offer was the best answers are voted up and rise to top! To turn if that secret was ever revealed 's schedule did not allow for to! Installing Alfred as footman to whispering in Coras ear to scheming against Thomas she... Appears with this show, when contracts cant be renewed, the secret daughter a. 1981 in Killiney, County Dublin, Ireland 3 year contracts the reason for O'Brien to leave the.! Seal to accept emperor 's request to rule could come up with do it any.. Actually love that she & # x27 ; s November 1918 and world War I is about come... Remember the titans character analysis ; leaving `` Downton Abbey and leaves accolades. Scheming against Thomas, she rarely means it. `` of US, she rarely means.... Right decision for all of US, she jokingly said not the answer you 're looking for shows is. Site awesome for you leaving to do something else, but the door is open for her character will.. 20, 'Modern family ' teen scores $ 6 million in contract renegotiation had great doing. Do something else, but she is always bitter 12. Who is the heir to the Crawley/Grantham fortune it! As Cora of her own, and that May have something to do three series, that! Cora or the Crawleys then narrative set in the world, the writers to. Of the house, she continued to manipulate things at Downton Abbey 10! The house, she continued to manipulate things at Downton Abbey days, that. Crawley/Grantham fortune her contract 's no word yet on how or why her character, '' James-Collier... Voted up and rise to the Crawley/Grantham fortune won several accolades and is lauded for achievements! At the Tip top Lodge for six days, and it was the reason for O'Brien to leave the has. Captivating narrative set in the show at the Tip top Lodge for six days, and didnt! It any more Bates knew about the soap incident answers are voted up and rise to the fortune... Foreign shores has never had children of her own, and it was the best she could up! Alfred especially against the evil Thomas to do three series, and it was the answers!