Dan Stevens Apologizes for DOWNTON ABBEY Shocking Demise

In a recent interview with Radio Magazine, Dan Stevens apologized to fans of the hit drama series Downton Abbey for his hasty and shocking demise at the end of the show's past season. As 'Downton' viewers clearly remember, his character Matthew Crawley's untimely death in a car accident was revealed just seconds before the second season went off the air.

"I am sorry about that!" Stevens told Radio Times. "I think what emerged is that it's an unwritten rule that you're not supposed to die on British television on Christmas Day, and that, specifically, was not my doing. ... I didn't have any say in the manner in which he went. Ultimately, it was in the hands of Julian [Fellowes] and the producers."

According to reports, the actor had requested to be written out of the show in order to pursue other acting opportunities. He believes the one saving grace of his character's unfortunate fate was that fans were left with only fond memories of his relationship with his beloved wife, Mary. "It was right that he didn't run off and have an affair with somebody," said Stevens. "I don't think that would have been right for Matthew as a character."

Stevens will be soon be seen on the big screen in The Fifth Estate, a film about WikiLeaks, opposite co-star Benedict Cumberbatch. He recently made his Broadway debut in 'The Heiress' alongside Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain.

Photo courtesy of ITV