The award-winning PBS series, Downton Abbey, beloved by millions of viewers – and kept in the spotlight by the recent movie sequel – drew the famous chauffeur and spirited Irish son-in-law to the lord of the manor, actor Allen Leech, to Newport Beach to receive an Artist of Distinction Award as part of the Newport Beach Film Festival Fall Honors featuring Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch. In partnership with Visit Newport Beach, the affair, held at The Resort at Pelican Hill, drew 175 guests to meet Leech and his lovely wife, actress Jessica Blair, who is expecting their first child in January. Asking if there might be another Downton Abbey film in the future, he said everyone was signed on except for one – the Dowager Countess played by veteran actress Maggie Smith. The recent movie left her continuing an open question. Here’s to betting creator Julian Fellowes convinces her to return. We do love her quips!