Were you one of the millions of viewers who tuned in to watch the finale of Downton Abbey on Christmas Day? One viewer had more reason than most for watching the special episode.
Year 7 Woodham Academy student, Sonny Fielding, couldn’t wait to see the eagerly anticipated period drama because he had taken part in the filming set in Beamish.
Keen actor and performer Sonny, who attends the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts landed the role last year and couldn’t have been happier. He said, ‘I was so shocked to be included in the cast. It was exhilarating. This is definitely what I want to do in the future.’
The Victorian series knocked the Queen’s Christmas Broadcast off the top of the Christmas Day viewing ratings with a combined total of 10.5 million viewers including those who watched the episode on catch-up.
After watching himself on TV, Sonny added; ‘It was really exciting watching it. My whole family were jumping around when they saw me. It is weird seeing yourself but I enjoyed it. My Mum and Dad are really proud of me.’

Sonny Fielding head shot