Cast and crew of Downton Abbey discussed their favourite moments from the past six years at a packed Times + event held at the Landmark Hotel in London on Thursday night.

The creator of the series, Julian Fellowes, producer Gareth Neame and Jessica Fellowes, author of newly released book ‘Downton Abbey – A Celebration’, were joined by cast members Jim Carter, who plays Mr Carson and Elizabeth McGovern, who plays Cora Crawley.

Julian Fellowes told the crowd that prior to the show’s debut in 2010 there was concern the name ‘Downton Abbey’ would be a turn-off for audiences.

“I had a great-grandfather who started Downton Agricultural College and I called it Abbey after a house I knew and liked but there was panic at ITV that everyone would think it’s about monks – that’s what the test group told them.”

Neame said he knew Downton was a success after the second episode aired and ratings figures showed audience numbers had gone up by 20 per cent – something almost unheard of in television.

“For us to grow our audience by that much – it’s so unusual. I knew that was a sign that the series would be a huge success.”

Carter said the show – which is watched in more than 250 territories worldwide – had particular success in the United States.

“During a publicity tour in America we were all taken for a private visit to the White House because it was Michelle Obama’s favourite show.”

Asked about her favourite moments playing Cora Crawley in the show, McGovern said:

“The superb writing around the death the character Sybil was certainly Julian Fellowes at his finest. However the entire first season was probably my favourite.”

On playing butler Mr Carson, Carter said:

“My wife complains that I don’t take my work home with me.”

The final episode of Downton Abbey aired on Sunday night, watched by a whopping 8.8 million viewers. There will be a Downton Abbey special airing on Christmas Day.

Asked why he decided to end the show, Fellowes said even though there is more of a story to tell, he wanted to end on a high, when Downton’s popularity was at it’s peak.

“It’s sad that it will spell the end of a lovely Sunday night ritual for so many TV viewers, but it felt like the right time.”

Following a 45 minute discussion, the cast and crew took questions from the audience.

Fellowes refused to reveal details of the upcoming Christmas special, but hinted of plans for a movie.

“I think it would be fun to do a film, but it’s not a certainty – yet.”