George Clooney’s Surprise Cameo in Downtown Abbey Minisode Swoons the Ladies

Fans of the popular British historical drama were in for a surprise as the once most eligible bachelor in Hollywood and American actor, George Clooney, surprised viewers with a surprised cameo in a fund-raising episode. He was joined by British actress Joanna Lumley.

The minisode is a spoof of a well-known story, It's A Wonderful Life, with a twist and is a movement to help aid the British television network's yearly Christmas appeal named Text Santa.

In the special episode, Lord Grantham, played by Hugh Bonneville, wished that he should have never been born after losing his riches and was given a tour by an angel (played by Lumley) on the life without
him in Downtown Abbey. Clooney, on the other hand, plays as George Oceans Gravity, Marquis of Hollywood and who is also Lady Grantham's husband of that timeline.

"He came and filmed with us for an afternoon. He was incredibly generous with his time and his talent," said Bonneville.

A lot have been swooning over the fact that Clooney kissed a lot of actresses for that minisode and some of them ending on the floor. Laura Carmichael told in an interview with Telegraph that Clooney was "hilarious". Even Maggie Smith fainted after receiving a kiss from Lord Hollywood.

The episode also features the cast having a 'selfie' with Lord Hollywood, a nod towards the famous Oscar selfie initiated by Ellen DeGeneres. The skit ends with the cast singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas".

Hilarity also ensued that Clooney's presence generated a lot of crowd from the cast themselves with some who weren't part of the skit coming over to the set just to see the award winning actor.

So far the mini episode filmed at Highclere Castle had generated over $10,000 in donations.

Downtown Abbey will be returning for a fifth season to the U.S on January 4 on PBS.