BAFTA to honour 'Downton Abbey' with special award

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) will present British actor Julian Fellowes and the cast of British TV series Downton Abbey with a special Award on August 11.

Before Downton Abbey's curtain call later this year, the series will be celebrated at a BAFTA gala, reported Digital Spy.

BAFTA chief Amanda Berry credits Downton Abbey with having "flown the flag for British drama" over the last five years.

"Our tribute will take us backstage with the cast and crew to reveal what's made it both a national treasure and a global phenomenon," she said.

Downton Abbey producer Gareth Neame reacted to the Special Award by saying, "As Downton Abbey moves towards its conclusion with the final season this autumn, I speak for the entire cast and crew when I say how honoured we are that the Academy will recognise the show with this Special Award. Not only is Downton a much-loved show in Britain, it has had huge success in both the US and right around the world, waving the flag for Britain and our creative content and that's why the BAFTA recognition means so much to us all."

ITV ended immense speculation over the future of Downton Abbey in March by confirming that series six would be its last. Downton Abbey will conclude with an eight-episode season and a Christmas special on ITV later this year.