Dame Maggie Smith's Downton Abbey dress set to fetch up to £1,500 ahead of final film

Dame Maggie Smith's legendary Downton Abbey gown could fetch an extraordinary sum at auction, it has been disclosed.

The Harry Potter star passed away aged 89 in September last year, with heartfelt tributes flooding in from admirers and colleagues throughout the industry.

She wasfondly recalled as "incredibly kind", "a fierce intellect", "charming" and "extremely funny" by her fellow performers.

One of Dame Maggie's final prominent roles was in Downton Abbey, portraying Violet Crawley in the British period drama from 2010 to 2015.

She secured three Primetime Emmy Awards for the role, alongside a Golden Globe and four Screen Actors Guild Awards, contributing to her impressive collection of honours spanning decades, reports the Daily Record.

During a feature on This Morning today (Monday, 11th August), one of her most recognisable costumes was showcased from her tenure as the Dowager Countess, with its valuation disclosed and astonishing presenters Emma Willis and Andi Peters.

"This costume really needs no introduction," an expert began.

"This is Dame Maggie Smith's, who played the Dowager Countess, Violet Crawley, it's beautifully put together this design."

Following a sharp intake of breath, Emma could be heard raving about the "incredible" walking stick which complemented the sage green dress.

The specialist continued: "The cane is a separate lot and I think this is one of the most important lots on sale because Violet Crawley, she uses that cane, it's such an extension of her character.

"Not just for support but for pointing and prodding, and you very rarely see the Dowager without her cane so it is a very important lot."

The ornate dress would command between £1,000 and £1,500 at auction, it was disclosed, whilst the walking stick alone was valued at between £500 and £800.

Commending the "genius" costume designer, he highlighted the period handbag and hat that were obtained from second-hand sources to complete Dame Maggie's ensemble, which would now enjoy a "third life".

The third and final Downton Abbey picture is scheduled for release in September, with Michelle Dockery recently disclosing it will feature a heartfelt homage to Dame Maggie.

The Lady Mary Talbot star revealed that the production is "beautiful", telling Collider: "It's a beautiful film. For us, it was such a treat to be able to come back together again. It's a real tribute to Maggie Smith, the film."

The Dowager Countess met her end in the 2022 picture, Downton Abbey: A New Era.

Hugh Bonneville - who appeared alongside Michelle and Dame Maggie as the Earl of Grantham - also confirmed the forthcoming film would celebrate her memory.

He remarked: "We finished a third - and I think probably final - Downton Abbey film this summer, which will come out next September and that is a wonderful sort of closing off of all the stories, so it's a proper film for the fans.

"It's very much set in the house and saying goodbye to all these characters and we obviously say goodbye to Dame Maggie, which was very poignant on screen and now in real life.

"She'll be sorely missed. But the final film will obviously be a great lasting tribute to her."

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX. Downton Abbey is available to watch on Netflix.