After a mishap in a publicity photo, the producers of ITV’s period soap opera, Downton Abbey, have banned its stars from taking modern items to the set.
We recently reported about a photo mishap of a water bottle spotted in the background of a publicity shot of stars Hugh Bonneville (pictured above) and Laura Carmichael. While the stars and producers of the show turned the mishap around as a way to promote Wateraid (a charity that provides fresh water for underprivileged communities), as we reported, by taking a picture of the staff all holding water bottles, it seems they are trying to prevent any further mishaps in the future.
According to an unnamed source who talked toThe Daily Telegraph, “Modern watches and jewelry are out and so even is designer underwear, as the danger is apparently too great if, say a chap bent over.”
"They have relented in the case of prescription glasses and asthma guns,” the source added, “but that's about it."
According to E!, the ban seems to include even items like underwear, but producer Gareth Neame has insisted that "A lot of stuff written about our show and other shows is made up. We do let the cast and crew drink [water] when they're working."
According to The Daily Mirror, the show’s creator, Julian Fellowes, claimed to have no say in the new policy, but praises the stars’ response to the new policy.
"It was a silly mistake, of course, and I suppose someone will be blown up for it,” Fellowes noted, “but if the cast can turn it around and actually help to raise some money for such a terrific cause, then I'm glad it happened.”
The stars of the show have responded well, it seems, due to the fact they have no idea whose water bottle it is. As Joanne Froggatt, who plays Anna on the show, told E!, "We don't know whose it was, to be honest."
"We're only human,” she added. “Things happen and you have to have a sense of humor about these things."
According to The Daily Mirror, Downtown Abbey’s fifth season will begin next month.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com