Julian Fellowes enjoyed a delicious slice of humble pie last night after he apologised for getting âthe humpâ? with viewers and critics who pointed out a number of historical inaccuracies in his hit series, Downton Abbey.
The second series of ITV1âs ridiculously popular period drama will hit screens this Sunday, with the final episode of the last series attracting 11 million viewers.
But despite the love for Downton, viewers did not shy away from pointing out anachronisms – such as the use of the word boyfriend, the sight of a TV aerial fixed to a home, a modern-style conservatory and double yellow lines on a road – in the first series.
Fellowes, the drama’s writer and executive producer, had lashed out at those who spotted and highlighted inaccuracies, suggesting that “the real problem is with people who are insecure socially.”
He added: “They think to show how smart they are by picking holes in the programme to promote their own poshness and to show that their knowledge is greater than your knowledge.”
Ouch.
Now he has told the Radio Times that it was “sloppy” to have let the TV aerial slip through in the ITV1 drama and admitted that he âbehaved rather badly by getting the hump.”
