This week it has emerged that Dame Maggie McGonagall will be leaving Downton Abbey after six series on the hit ITV drama. Smith, who plays the Dowager Countess notes that she must be at least 100 by now – although it was not clear whether she was referring to herself or to her character. When questioned her reasons for her eminent departure, Smith revealed that whilst she will be leaving one of ITV’s biggest shows, she will not be leaving the channel.

In an exclusive interview with Flipside, Dame Maggie Smith has revealed that she has in fact signed a contract with the broadcaster to appear in the next series of Take Me Out. Smith notes that she has always found relationships difficult and hopes that a little bit of McGuinness magic could be the key to turning her love life around. When questioned what her biggest turn off would be, Smith responded; Hugh Bonneville.