Shirley MacLaine to join Downton Abbey cast

By Neal Wallace

Shirley MacLaine is to join the cast of Downton Abbey for its third series, the show's makers have confirmed.

The Oscar-winning US actress will play a character called Martha Levinson, mother of Lady Grantham when filming begins next month.

MacLaine has been the star of more than 50 films during her career, winning an Academy Award for her role in 1984's Terms of Endearment.

She has been nominated for a further five Oscars during her career and recently received the Legion of Honour, France's most prestigious award.

Laura Mackie, ITV's director of drama said: "It is so exciting to have an actress of Shirley MacLaine's stature joining our brilliant Downton Abbey cast."

"It is a tribute to the show's success on both sides of the Atlantic," she added.

However, it has not been popular with everyone. Historian Simon Schama recently launched a scathing attack on the show, accusing it of having improbable storylines and historical inaccuracies.