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Downton Abbey star on acting, distance learning and his degree

For Downton Abbey fans, Christmas will be bitter-sweet this year as the Christmas Special marks the final ever episode of the series enjoyed by millions.

Joseph Molesley, played by Kevin Doyle, has had a turbulent journey, from second footman at Downton, to butler for Mrs Crawley. Unfulfilled, and having been unable to pursue his passion for teaching due to having to work from the age of 12, he takes the courageous step of a complete career change and retrains as a school teacher.

We talk to the actor and graduate of the OU, about his experience of acting whilst studying for a degree in History with The Open University:

 

“When you’re on set and you’re hanging around, you’ve got a lot of time waiting to be called,” explained Doyle, “so I found that, rather than reading newspapers, I’d much prefer to learn something new.”

About Author

Christine is a manager in the Media Relations team within the Marcomms Unit at the OU with an extensive background in media and PR. A former national BBC journalist, sub-editor and news editor, she also has a grounding in regional newspapers. Her PR experience includes working in-house as press officer in the busy Marcomms unit at the Zoological Society of London. At the OU, Christine covers widening access in HE, corporate news and campaigns, as well as stories from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. She has just completed an MA in Philosophy with the OU.

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