At the PBS portion of the TCA Summer Press Tour, the producers and cast of Downton Abbey discussed the show’s future.

As fans know, Dan Stevens and Jessica Brown Findlay won’t be back for season four (which picks up six months after Stevens’ character’s death) because they decided not to renew their contracts.

Actress Michelle Dockery said, “As far as we know, we’re all doing series five next year… Beyond that, it’s in the hands of [creator] Julian Fellowes and our producers. If other actors start leaving, it would be a worry, but it’s been fine so far.”

Though many UK series run just a few seasons, executive producer Gareth Neame suggested that Downton Abbey won’t be ending any time soon.

He noted, “The show is so popular around the world now. It’s beloved… My mind is already into the fifth season. I will say we’re not going to World War II, but that’s 18 years away. We want to make the show. When we feel it’s had its time, hopefully we’ll know before you guys. But it’s not anytime soon.”

Neame told reporters that Fellowes always says, “I don’t want to see our actors with walking sticks and powder in their hair.”

What do you think? How long do you think Downton Abbey should run? Would you like to see the characters grow old?