With anticipation building over the final season of Downton Abbey due to be aired in the autumn, the cast have been seen filming scenes in a picturesque Northumberland town.

Keen to stop any spoilers from the critically acclaimed show getting out, staff were seen holding up large umbrellas in Alnwick, Northumberland, to stop passers-by sneaking a look on to the set.

Main characters Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern, who play husband and wife Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, and Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham, were seen leaving alongside extras who were all in costume.

Seeing them filming in public gave fans the chance to glimpse new characters that might be introduced and guess possible storylines from the fact some of the actors appeared to be dressed as doctors.

The show was in the town all week with filming took place in Alnwick Castle, the seat of the Duke of Northumberland, which is used as Brancaster Castle in the series.

This week writer Julian Fellowes cast doubt on whether a film would be made of the period drama, saying he had “mixed feelings” about the project.

The drama has won a string of awards since it began in 2010, including two Baftas, three Golden Globes and 11 Emmys.

Earlier in the year the makers announced it would end after this season, with the last episode being the Christmas special.