Dame Eileen Atkins quits 'Upstairs Downstairs'

Dame Eileen Atkins has left Upstairs Downstairs.

The actress helped to create the original series and appeared on screen as Lady Holland when the show was revived last year.

However, she has decided not to reprise her role when the new version of Upstairs Downstairs returns for its second series, BBC News reports.

Rumours have suggested that Atkins decided to leave the project because she was unhappy with the scripts.

"It's with much sadness that we say goodbye to her wonderful character, the straight speaking mother-in-law Lady Holland," the BBC said. "However, we respect her decision and we will be announcing new star casting soon."

Filming for the new series of Upstairs Downstairs is due to begin in October and the show is expected to return to screens next year.