Michelle Dockery reveals she's no longer cast in period dramas because her Lady Mary character in Downton Abbey is 'too recognisable'

Most actresses dream of finding a role that becomes so popular you're catapulted to international fame. The actress, who starred as Lady Mary Crawley in ITV's six season period drama, said she is now offered predominantly 'modern' roles due to the popularity of the show. Michelle Dockery says she is no longer cast in period dramas because her character in Downton Abbey is 'too recognisable' The actress, who starred as Lady Mary Crawley in ITV's six season period drama, said she is now offered predominantly 'modern' roles due to the popularity of the show Speaking to the Radio Times she said: 'I'm so lucky with Downton, it changed my life, and I'm so proud of being part of that show. She said: 'If I did a period drama that was also in the 1920s, it would look like Lady Mary had walked on to the wrong set' She then added: 'I think I tend to be cast in more modern pieces for that reason' 'I thought, 'I'm playing this role'.' While she stars in the BBC's new 1980's-set drama This Town, she said any role further back in history is too reminiscent of Lady Mary For the new role she has had to begin a new journey from English rose to alcoholic to play Estella Quinn, a key character who unites the younger and older generations in Steven Knight's eight-part Midlands drama She was speaking in the Radio Times 'I was aware of it being present because of our Irish connection.