Ellie Walker-Arnott of Radio Times reports today of what seems to be turning out to be closer to fact than fiction concerning that little British period drama we all know as Downton Abbey.
 

The definite ‘fact’ part of equation which everyone confirms is that George Clooney visited Highclere Castle back in May of this year supposedly scoping out venues for his upcoming wedding. The ‘rumor, but doubtful it is fact’ part of the equation has it that the American actor will actually rub elbows with the Crawley family on the forthcoming season of Downton Abbey. Initial reports had Clooney playing an American guest at a wedding which is taking place at the Abbey. According to sources close to the show, Clooney’s appearance “is the biggest moment in Downton history and shows it’s now the biggest drama in the world.”

In reality, however, what looks to be a more accurate account of the couple’s trip to Highclere was that Clooney was there to make a special-guest appearance in a Downton Abbey-themed sketch that will appear during the overseas charity telethon, Text Santa, which will air in the U.K. around the holidays. So, erase that thought of the possibility of a George Clooney attempt to sweep Lady Mary off her feet right under the nose of Lord Grantham and Lady Cora.

While both America and Ellie Walker-Arnott of Radio Times may be ready to see the likes of Meryl Streep playing a no-nonsense Nonnatus House nun in Call the Midwife, or Angelina Jolie playing Sherlock‘s next nemesis, or even Jennifer Lawrence taking off with the Tardis in Doctor Who, I’m not sure how I feel about the possibility of George Clooney making a cameo appearance on Downton Abbey. Probably about the same as when I heard several series back that there was a chance that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were fans of the series and would entertain an opportunity to appear should something materialize. I know that we’ve seen the likes of Shirley MacLaine and Paul Giamatti for more lengthy roles playing the crazy Americans cousins, etc. but having someone the magnitude of George Clooney seems a bit jump-the-shark to me. Thankfully, it looks like it’s just a rumor…for now.