'Downton' creator Fellowes takes Lords seat

Julian Fellowes, creator of the hit ITV period drama Downton Abbey, has taken his seat in the House of Lords as a Conservative peer.

In November, Oscar-winning screenwriter Fellowes was among the 54 newly-picked members of the upper house, including former BBC chairman Michael Grade.

Fellowes wore red, white and gold ermine robes as he swore allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II in a ceremony today at Parliament. The 61-year-old has become Lord Fellowes of West Stafford, the title coming from the village in Dorset where he lives.

While taking the oath, he was flanked by his key supporters - Tory hereditary peer Lord Northbrook and Lord Marland, the Conservative energy and climate change minister.

Fellowes has gained a reputation for documenting the inner workings of the aristocracy, including his Oscar victory in 2002 for writing the screenplay for Robert Altman's Gosford Park.

His profile rocketed last year after Downton Abbey became a surprise ratings hit for ITV, drawing almost 11 million viewers for its final episode. The broadcaster has already commissioned a second series.