Downton Abbey made into reality show

A celebrity reality show based on hit period drama 'Downton Abbey' is being planned by TV bosses.

The new series will see stars become servants in a sprawling mansion and serving a family around-the-clock, just like in the ITV1 show, which stars Dame Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville.

While three of the celebrity participants will be given managing roles as heads of staff, the others will have menial jobs as cooks, maids and grooms.

According to the Daily Star newspaper, the show - which is to be made by Wall To Wall Media - is being planned to hit TV screens later this year to coincide with the much-anticipated second series of 'Downton Abbey'.

The costume drama was a surprise success for ITV1, pulling in a staggering 11 million viewers per episode, and made its debut on American TV yesterday (11.01.11).

A source explained: "No one could have predicted the success of the show. ?

"It was an overnight success. This new reality show will capitalise on that brand. If we can secure top showbiz names, we could be looking at another hit."