Dubliner Allen Leech is having a ball on Downton Abbey since his role as Tom Branson has been expanded.
The Irish chauffeur is now one of the key characters in the phenomenally successful period drama, which ends its third season tomorrow (Sunday) night on UTV.
After marrying the Earl's daughter, Lady Sybil Crawley, the 31-year-old’s character has been present in almost every episode of the current run.
Branson has also become increasingly passionate about the fight for Irish independence, as well as the birth of their child and Sybil's death.
"It's great,” he admitted to the Irish Independent, “but you also feel a lot of pressure in that you want to do it right.”
He added: "I think Branson shows how passionate people can be in relation to their own country. It's great that this brings Ireland's history to a whole new audience as well.
"I love the fact that we've such a central role in this show and it's something I really didn't expect."
