Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes has hinted the drama may not be completely finished once the sixth and final series has aired on television.

The writer said he would not be surprised if the ITV show had “some afterlife” when the Emmy Award-winning programme ends later this year.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if it had some afterlife because it’s been such a strong force. But it’s definitely finished on television. That’s it,” he said.

The 65-year-old said Downton Abbey was “a huge part” of his life, but he believes he has made the correct decision to call time on the drama.

“I think it’s right to stop when people are sorry and not when people are relieved,” he said.

On whether he would want to be involved with Downton Abbey returning in another form in future, Fellowes added: “Ooh, I’m not sure I could trust my baby to another nurse!”

I’m not sure I could trust my baby to another nurse

Downton star Hugh Bonneville said he believes it would have been “a misstep” for the show to continue beyond series six. The 51-year-old, who plays Lord Grantham, said: “I think it could have been squeezed out for another couple of series, but I think Julian would have run out of ideas. We’ve been blessed by having a writer who’s got a fund of stories to play with, and these characters that have been fully-formed over the last six years. And I think to have extended it would have been, I think, a bit of a misstep.”

The cast and crew were on the red carpet for Bafta Celebrates Downton Abbey at the Richmond Theatre in Surrey.

Bafta is honouring the period drama for its success in the UK and across the globe with a special award, which was presented to the producers by actress Julie Walters. The special tribute, hosted by Jonathan Ross, will air later this year.

Downton Abbey will return in the autumn for a sixth series, while a final Christmas special will air in December.