'It's the Ford Fiesta of television': Jeremy Irons takes a swipe at Downton Abbey as he promotes new Shakespeare series

Jeremy Irons has taken a swipe at Downton Abbey, slamming it as the 'Ford Fiesta' of television.
The actor could barely disguise his disdain for the period drama that has taken both Britain and America by storm.
But after appearing to dismiss the show he admitted that he had never watched a single episode of the award winning drama, which is now in its third series.
Irons' attack came as he joined a panel in California to help promote a series called Shakespeare Uncovered that will be shown on the same PBS channel as Downton Abbey.
He said: 'What I'm very excited about with Shakespeare Uncovered is where you see some of the best British actors playing Shakespeare.
'What you can do is to open up to this huge American audience... show them that actually television doesn't end with Downton Abbey.
'If you think that's good, then watch the Shakespeare productions. You'll see what real writing, what real stories, what real characters are about.'
When the executive producer of the new Shakespeare series said, 'But we do love Downton Abbey, too', Irons could resist taking another jab.
He added: 'But it's sort of - it's sort of like - I mean, I don't know your cars well enough, but it's - you know, it's like a Ford Fiesta will get you there and give you a good time.'
Clearly stunned by Irons' comment fellow panelist Richard Denton said: 'Should I stop him now?'

But Irons continued: 'An Aston Martin, that's what you've got with Shakespeare.'

Unimpressed: In spite of his claims, Irons admitted he had never seen Downton Abbey

Later, when asked about his controversial comments, the 64-year-old star admitted he had never even watched Downton Abbey.
'I'm a terrible television snob. I don't watch very much television. I've never seen Downton Abbey', he said. So I don't know what I'm talking about, basically, when it comes to that. I'm sure it's splendid.'

 

The latest series of Downton Abbey debuted to a record eight million viewers in the US.

Production on the fourth series will begin later this year, with Golden Globe winner Maggie Smith signing on to play Dowager Countess Grantham once again.
There had been speculation the 78-year-old would quit the series, but producer Gareth Neame confirmed she will indeed appear.
Irons is no stranger to US television, having previously appeared in The Borgias and two episodes of Law and Order.

Production on the fourth series of Downton Abbey will begin later this year, with Golden Globe winner Maggie Smith signing on to play Dowager Countess Grantham once again