Fan of Downton Abbey? Prepare for some very sad news…

Fans of ITV's period drama Downton Abbey will be gutted to hear that the show is reportedly set to end this year.

The show's main writer, Julian Fellowes, is apparently going to leave the UK to work on a new project based in 19th century New York. While nothing has been confirmed yet, one source said that it's an "open secret" this this will be Downton's last year.

Cast members have already begun looking for work elsewhere, with many of their agents hitting the Screen Actors Guild Awards in LA last Sunday to scout for new opportunities for them.

"Some of the actors are keen to let it be known they will be available for work after the summer," said the source. “Joanne Froggatt, Edith Carmichael and Allen Leech were in Los Angeles for the awards last week and there were several meetings about both TV and film roles."

Joanne in particular should have no trouble finding work in the US, having just won a Golden Globe for her role as Anna on the show.

The sixth – and possibly final – series will begin filming soon and will air on ITV this September.