The Golden Globe-winning TV series Downton Abbey has been criticised by the renowned TV historian Simon Schama for its historical inaccuracy. In an article that Schama has written for the New Statesman magazine, he described the series as a "teaming, silvered tureen of snobbery." He went on to add "Nothing beats British television drama for servicing the instincts of cultural necrophilia."

The comments will no doubt be a blow for the show's writer Julian Fellowes and the actors, who have just returned from a triumphant night at the Golden Globes. Downton Abbey won the award for Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture made for Television, whilst ELIZABTH MCGOVERN was nominated for her performance as Cora, Countess of Grantham, as was Hugh Bonneville, who plays Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham. Maggie Smith was also nominated for her supporting role. It's not the first time that Schama has been critical of the show and he seems to be criticizing America's TV-watching public for its lack of discernment as much as the show itself. Julian Fellowes has counteracted Schama's arguments in the past, too, labeling him as "socially insecure."

A report in The Metro suggests that the makers of Downton Abbey may be in talks with film producers about adapting the series for a feature-length version. Fellowes was reportedly seen chatting with a number of directors and executives about the idea. In 2002, Julian won a Best Screenplay Oscar for his movie Gosford Park so it's not entirely unlikely that he will attempt to repeat the success with a Hollywood version of Downton Abbey.