By Lacy Baugher for Drama on September 30th, 2011

Doctor Who’s Alex Kingston Joins Cast of Upstairs Downstairs

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Sure, we don’t exactly know what’s going to happen to River Song in the Doctor Who finale tomorrow night, but at least we know what’s next for her portrayer. Alex Kingston is set to join the cast of Upstairs Downstairs when the costume drama returns next year.  [I’ll pause while everyone takes a second to appreciate how awesome that particular bit of casting is. I maybe made a noise out loud, but of course it doesn’t count if no one is around you to hear it.]

This is especially comforting news for those of us who were gnashing our teeth over the departure of Dame Eileen Atkins and her fabulous Lady Holland – who, in my opinion, was one of the highlights of this remake. Kingston will play Blanche Mottershead, the younger sister of Dame Eileen’s character.

"I simply couldn't resist the opportunity to get inside the iconic 165 Eaton Place," said Kingston. And, really, who can blame her?

The new series of Upstairs Downstairs begins shooting in October. No word yet on when we can expect it to air, either here in America or across the pond, but keep an eye on this space for updates.

By Lacy Baugher for Drama on September 30th, 2011
Lacy Baugher

Lacy's love of British TV is embarrassingly extensive, but primarily centers around evangelizing all things Doctor Who, and watching as many period dramas as possible.

Digital media type by day, she also has a fairly useless degree in British medieval literature, and dearly loves to talk about dream poetry, liminality, and the medieval religious vision. (Sadly, that opportunity presents itself very infrequently.) York apologist, Ninth Doctor enthusiast, and unabashed Ravenclaw. Say hi on Threads or Blue Sky at @LacyMB. 

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