Downton Abbey star Matthew Goode admits film will have a 'lot of great new faces'... but he will play a minor role despite his character marrying Lady Mary in final series

Matthew Goode refused to be drawn on his participation in the forthcoming feature length version of Downton Abbey on Thursday morning, but insisted fans will not be disappointed.

The British actor, best known for his role as Henry Talbot, admitted the new film will include a range of characters not seen during the ITV period drama's six series run.

'It’s a very brilliant new story, the cast has got bigger,' Goode, 40, told This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. 'I won’t tell you who’s in it. But there’s a lot of great new faces.' 

The actor also admitted that Talbot - who featured during the show's final year - will have limited screen time in the new film, adding: 'Not a huge amount, I’ll tell you that much.' 

Goode has previously revealed that he will have a role in the film, albeit a short one as he said he's just 'popping in' due to conflicting work commitments.

However the actor, who refused to be drawn on the film's general plot, may well have been giving the hosts a red herring as fans well know that Talbot married Lady Mary during its final series - suggesting could play a key role. 

On Wednesday Lady Mary herself, actress Michelle Dockery, revealed a first look from the set of the period drama. 

Talking to her Instagram page, she shared a snapshot from behind the scenes of the movie, which will continue where the hugely-popular ITV show left off when it wrapped in December 2015.

Alongside an image of a clapperboard on set, Michelle, who plays Lady Mary Crawley, wrote: 'And... we're off' 

The plot for the new film is being kept under wraps, but it has been confirmed that Michelle will be joined by original co-stars Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, and Laura Carmichael.

Imelda Staunton, Geraldine James, Simon Jones, and Stephen Campbell Moore are among the new additions to the cast.

Michelle was not the only cast member to express their joy at being back, as Joanne Froggatt also shared a picture of her trailer, which had her character's name on it. 

Having played maid Anna Bates in all six seasons of the period drama, it's no wonder that she is back for another chapter. 

Allen Leech and Hugh appeared to be spending some quality time together, as the latter revealed they 'skipped the first day of filming for Downton Abbey' to go to see a play in Bath.

Allen, who reprises his role as Tom Branson in the film, wrote: 'Quick catch up after 9 holes of golf....... after rehearsals, rehearsals and scene study!'

The Downton Abbey movie was confirmed in July after months of speculation from eager fans. 

Joanne Froggatt wrote on her Twitter page: 'Delighted to announce we’re getting the band back together! #DowntonMovie #DowntonAbbey.' 

Downton Abbey's Twitter also posted: 'Welcome back to Downton! We’re thrilled to announce that #DowntonAbbey is coming to the big screen. Film production begins this summer.'

Michelle also wrote on Instagram: 'The secret’s out… Thrilled to announce that Downton Abbey is coming to the big screen.'  

Downton Abbey followed the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who worked for them at the turn of the 20th Century in an Edwardian English country home.

According to Vanity Fair, the movie script has been written by show creator Julian Fellowes Focus and Universal Pictures International are distributing.

Brian Percival, who has directed several episodes of Downton, including the pilot, will helm the film, but there are no plot details known as of yet.   

The film’s producer Gareth Neame said in a statement: 'When the television series drew to a close it was our dream to bring the millions of global fans a movie and now, after getting many stars aligned, we are shortly to go into production.

'Julian’s script charms, thrills and entertains and in Brian Percival’s hands we aim to deliver everything that one would hope for as Downton comes to the big screen'.

The final episode of Downton aired on December 25, 2015 on ITV.

The show is the most nominated non-U.S. television show in the history of the Emmys, with 15 under their belt.

They earned a trio of Golden Globe Awards and a Special BAFTA award.

Joanne had previously said: 'Selfishly, it would be great to get together for ten weeks and have a little reunion,' Froggatt said. 'I think we’d all like to do it.'