Gillian Anderson missed out on the chance to star in Downton Abbey after she was offered a leading role in the popular British period drama.
I was actually offered a part in Downton
The X Files star has revealed she was approached by TV bosses to play American aristocrat Lady Cora Crawley in the Emmy-winning TV series, whichhas become a hit on both sides of the Atlantic.
However, the part eventually went to Elizabeth McGovern.
Anderson tells TV Guide Magazine, "I was actually offered a part in Downton".
However, she hopes her role in a TV adaptation of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations will be just as popular
"Hopefully people will embrace itwith the same love that flowed toward Downton Abbey".
