DAME MAGGIE SMITH may have played the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey for six series - but she has yet to find time to actually watch it.

However, the actress, 81, plans to watch the period drama now it has finished for good.

She told CBS News: "They gave me the boxed set. And I'm going to do all sorts of things now, 'cause I'm free!"

The story of her on-screen aristocratic family wrapped up with the Christmas special, which - except for the Queen's speech - topped the Christmas Day ratings.

But although it was a period drama, Smith has revealed she got away without wearing corsets.

"In actual fact, I have to say that I did cheat a bit," she admitted. "Because I promised that if I sat up, bolt upright, I made it look as though I were wearing corsets."

And on the secrecy surrounding how the series would end, she joked: "Nobody was allowed to see the script. You had to read it and then eat it, just in case. Do not leave it anywhere!"

:: BRUNO TONIOLI is set for the big screen after landing a "top secret" film role.

The flamboyant Italian, who has been a judge on Strictly Come Dancing for over a decade, is used to working as a choreographer for films, including Ella Enchanted and TV series like Absolutely Fabulous.

But now he has made the leap to film star.

Tonioli told the Mirror: "Next year I have a part in a film. It's my first one. It's very exciting, I've already filmed it but I can't say any more about it. It's top secret.

"I was an actor before I was a TV presenter and I really loved doing it. But because of my accent, my options were restricted when I got to the UK."

The 60-year-old also revealed grander acting ambitions.

He explained: "My dream role is to be in Star Wars, I don't care what I'd be, I'd be Chewbacca's handbag, darling. If the right offer comes I will pursue it."

Before Strictly, Tonioli played bit parts in films such as What A Girl Wants, where he played "Fashion Emcee", and The Bill, where he played "Rolf" in one episode.

He also appeared as a dancer in ELTON JOHN's music video for I'm Still Standing in 1983, strutting his stuff in a black leotard and police hat.

:: STEPHEN FRY has described his friendship with frequent collaborator HUGH LAURIE as "an act of creative falling in love".

Speaking in an exclusive interview for BBC Two's Stephen Fry: A Life on Screen, the 58-year-old talks openly about his life and career.

He discusses his partnership with Laurie, speaks candidly about his mental health issues and reflects on his time as presenter of QI.

Fry was among a wave of comedians who broke out of the Alternative Comedy scene of the 1980s. He went on to establish himself as a household name with BBC comedy show A Bit Of Fry And Laurie, alongside his long-time partner.

"It was an act of creative falling in love. Comically falling in love. A genuine connection," he said of the successful partnership.

During the programme, viewers will be treated to footage of Fry's early days with the Cambridge Footlights drama club.

"He had a tremendous sort of gravity even at that age of 20. He seemed like a 60-year-old at the age of 20," Laurie recalled.

"He wore tweed and I think stiff collars and smoked a pipe. I mean, ludicrously affected!"