'Downton Abbey' Spoilers, Cast News: Maggie Smith Not Leaving Show After All

The Dowager Countess of Grantham will stick around "Downton Abbey" for as long as the period drama sticks around, a publicist for the show has clarified.

A spokesperson for Milk Publicity had to step in for Dame Maggie Smith, who fueled a fire about the rumored nearing end of "Downton Abbey."

The publicist, on behalf of Smith, clarified that the 80-year-old British actress will stay on until the series concludes.

"She would stay in the show for as long as the show runs," the representative explained, according to Entertainment Tonight.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Milk Publicity said Smith was only speaking lightheartedly in an interview with the Sunday Times.

They added that Smith was misinterpreted in remarks widely reported as suggesting she will leave the TV show after its sixth season later this year.

Smith, who plays matriarch Violet Crawley, revealed that her role on the show, and possibly the show itself, would be coming to an end.

Speaking of her character, Smith said: "I can't see how (Downton) could go on. I mean, I certainly can't keep going. To my knowledge, I must be 110 by now."

Her statement came after news came out that creator Julia Fellowes is due to script a new period drama "The Gilded Age" that is set in New York.

NBC has already announced contracting Fellowes to pen the script for an American take on aristocracy "the Gilded Age."

Eyed to be the United States' answer to U.K.'s "Downton Abbey," the show will be taking place in the 1880s.

Producers haven't announced whether the show, which is only renewed after each season, will have a seventh season.

The NCB Universal-owned show has broken records in the United States to become the most-watched drama in the history of channel PBS.

The two-time Oscar winner's role on "Downton Abbey" has earned a Golden Globe and two Emmys for Smith.