Downton Abbey star Maggie Smith has denied reports that she was involved in a health scare which saw her being rushed to hospital with chest pains. According to the Sunday Mirror the 77-year-old - who plays the Dowager Countess in the ITV1 drama - was taken to a specialist cardiac unit at London's Wellington Hospital on Friday after complaining of chest pains. A source told the paper it had been a "big scare" for Maggie, who was later reportedly discharged after being treated by medics. However the actress's spokeswoman said that she was "fine and well and at home", and had in fact visited the hospital for a routine medical procedure. The reports led to speculation over whether Maggie would return to Downton Abbey for the fourth series of the show - with creator Julian Fellowes refusing to confirm or deny the reports. "I can’t tell you, 'Oh, yes, she’s definitely contracted because she isn't. It's entirely up to her when she stays and when she goes," he said. "With Maggie, you never know. Others sign on for the next series and they sign for this and they sign for that, but she doesn't. She stays her own person. But as far as I'm concerned I hope she stays with the show until Downton falls down." The third series of the show is due to finish on Sunday night, with a dramatic finale promised as the Countess' great-niece Lady Rose, played by actress Lily James, appears on the scene.
