Maggie Smith Has Never Watched 'Downtown Abbey'

Maggie Smith opens up about the end of Downton Abbey in this rare new interview.

The 80-year-old actress has won multiple awards for her role as Lady Violet, Dowager Countess, including two Emmys and a Golden Globe.

When asked if she’s ever seen the show, Maggie told CBS News, “No. But they gave me the boxed set. And I’m going to do all sorts of things now, ’cause I’m free!”

She also revealed that she would often skip wearing a corset while filming.

“In actual fact, I have to say that I did cheat a bit. Because I promised that if I sat up, bolt upright, I made it look as though I were wearing corsets,” Maggie said. “Don’t tell anybody…I don’t want it to be put around. I was tortured every day.”

The final season of Downton Abbey premieres on Sunday, January 3 @ 9/8c on PBS Masterpiece.