Gillian Anderson has revealed that she turned down a part in Downton Abbey.
According to TV Guide the former X-Files star was offered the role of Lady Cora Crawley - eventually played by Elizabeth McGovern - in the ITV period drama.
Anderson has appeared in a number of other period dramas, including the BBC's Bleak House and last year's adaptation of Great Expectations.
Ahead of the latter's screening on America's PBS channel, she said: "Hopefully people will embrace it with the same love that flowed toward Downton Abbey. I was actually offered a part in Downton."
A third season of Downton Abbey is currently filming and is expected to air in late 2012 on both UTV and TV3.
