Despite rumors that this will be the last season of "Downton Abbey," most sources point to at least a 6^th season of the illustrious show. While the constant worry is that some actors will abandon their roles to seek out different projects, one very important character has pledged she will stick with it until the very end.

In an interview with E-Online Dockery made the affirmation that she was willing to stick with the show however long the production lasted. In a statement to ITV she said:

"We are on series five now. What is great is that we have six months of the year to do other stuff in between so I'm still here and whatever opportunities that might come up, then I will go with it."

Meanwhile, Maggie Smith plans to reprise her role this season as Violet Crowley. Executive Producer Gareth Neame gave the opinion: "I think it is remarkable for someone who has had such an illustrious and long career to still be delivering work of this caliber."

To most "Downton" fans this is hardy encouragement, but no one more so than writer and show creator Julian Fellowes: "I refuse to do the show without her. It's an honor to not only watch her but to also write for her. She's inspiring."

As to whether there will be a sixth season, it's important to note that U.K. television shows do not get renewed in advance for multiple seasons. Though the show is still uniquely popular both in its home country and abroad, creator Julian Fellowes has already been contracted to work on a show for NBC Universal called the 'Gilded Age.' In an interview to the Wall Street Journal Fellowes plainly stated, "If there is a sixth season, it may be our last."