In a startling revelation that will surprise millions of Downton Abbey fans, Phyllis Logan, the esteemed actress behind the formidable housekeeper Mrs Hughes, has confessed to being gripped by a profound fear throughout the filming of the global television phenomenon.
The Scottish star, whose portrayal of the stern but compassionate Elsie Hughes became a cornerstone of the hit ITV series, has disclosed that she was 'absolutely petrified' of one particular and ever-present feature of the grand Highclere Castle set.
The Source of the Fear
While audiences worldwide marvelled at the grandeur of the Crawley family's aristocratic home, Logan was engaged in a private battle with anxiety. The source of her terror wasn't the demanding storylines or the weight of the show's success, but something far more fundamental to the setting.
'I was scared of the candles,' she admitted candidly. 'Everywhere you looked, there were candles. I was absolutely petrified that I would set myself on fire.'
This pervasive fear cast a shadow over her experience filming in the historic location, with the actress constantly aware of the open flames that were essential to maintaining the show's authentic early 20th-century atmosphere.
A Constant Anxiety On Set
Logan's apprehension highlights the often-unseen challenges actors face when working on elaborate period productions. The very props designed to create immersion and authenticity became a persistent source of stress for the seasoned performer.
She described the meticulous and nerve-wracking process of navigating the set, particularly during scenes where her character's long, traditional costumes could have easily brushed against the naked flames. The potential for a catastrophic accident was a thought that never strayed far from her mind during takes.
This confession offers a fascinating glimpse behind the polished veneer of the beloved series, revealing the very real human vulnerabilities that existed alongside the fictional dramas of the Crawley household and their staff.
