Bond: I'm not quitting Downton

Samantha Bond has dismissed rumours she is ready to quit Downton Abbey as "absolutely untrue".

The 50-year-old actress, who plays Lord Grantham's sister Lady Rosamund in the hit TV show, has taken time out to pursue a stage project, sparking reports she may be ready to walk away from the show.

But Samantha told ITV's This Morning: "It's absolutely untrue. There was a discussion with producers before Christmas about what shape this year was going to take. I was desperate to get back on to the stage, so we amicably agreed that we'd maybe have a little break - it was all very friendly and done with a lot of love.

"The doors are wide open - I haven't left, and I look forward to returning to Downton in the near future."

Following the vast success of series one and two, the show is set to return to ITV1 in September.

Samantha admitted that she was really enjoying working on the stage in What The Butler Saw, describing it as "the most extraordinary thing I've ever done in my life".

Meanwhile, the actress, who has previously played Miss Moneypenny in James Bond films, was tight-lipped when asked about rumours that she may be set to feature in the next 007 instalment, Skyfall with Daniel Craig.

She said: "I'm sorry - I've sworn the secret service act or whatever it is! I couldn't possibly say..."