After 15 years, Downton Abbey is set to come to an end.

It's taken six seasons, 52 episodes and two films - but this week the third film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, hits cinemas and spells the final chapter for the worldwide phenomenon. 

Ahead of the release, three long time cast members, Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery and Joanne Froggatt discussed what the end of the series meant to them.

"It's for the fans, it's a beautiful tribute to Maggie - but it really is for the fans out there. And that just felt so good to give that one last story to everybody out there." 

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After 15 years, Downton Abbey is set to come to an end.
It's taken six seasons, 52 episodes and two films - but this week the third film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, hits cinemas and spells the final chapter for the worldwide phenomenon.&nbsp;
Ahead of the release, three long time cast members, Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery and Joanne Froggatt discussed what the end of the series meant to them.
"It's for the fans, it's a beautiful tribute to Maggie - but it really is for the fans out there. And that just felt so good to give that one last story to everybody out there."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

News, opinion, analysis, lifestyle and entertainment – we’ve got your Sunday morning listening covered with The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin on Newstalk ZB.

The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery and Joanne Froggatt: Downton Abbey cast members talk about the series drawing to a close

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b860e3ca-9e96-4384-83a9-b3510015a670/transcript

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 7 December 2025, for years it was believed Suzanne Vega's 'Luka' was about a young boy, this week she tells Francesca why, after 35 years, she finally admitted she is Luka.

Kiwi band Castaway are a band on the rise, this week they perform their latest single 'Pretty Little Liar' in studio and talk about their breakout year.

Andrew Coster has finally spoken out, ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths on Coster's version of events including his claims Ministers knew more than they have let on.

And is garlic the next thing in mouth wash? Dr Michelle Dickinson explains.

Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 7 December 2025, for years it was believed Suzanne Vega's 'Luka' was about a young boy, this week she tells Francesca why, after 35 years, she finally admitted she is Luka.
Kiwi band Castaway are a band on the rise, this week they perform their latest single 'Pretty Little Liar' in studio and talk about their breakout year.
Andrew Coster has finally spoken out, ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths on Coster's version of events including his claims Ministers knew more than they have let on.
And is garlic the next thing in mouth wash? Dr Michelle Dickinson explains.
Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Full Show Podcast: 07 December 2025 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/48a37b06-71b6-4248-82e6-b3ab017e9b62/transcript

Mindful eating is when we become fully connected with all the sensations experienced when eating and drinking including sight, sound, touch, smell and taste.  

Why is eating more mindful is helpful? By being more mindful and conscious it helps us to reflect on what we are eating, how and why. 

Naturopath Erin O'Hara shared her insights with Francesca Rudkin as well as a few mindful eating tips to help improve digestion.

LISTEN ABOVE

Mindful eating is when we become fully connected with all the sensations experienced when eating and drinking including sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. &nbsp;
Why is eating more mindful is helpful? By being more mindful and conscious it helps us to reflect on what we are eating, how and why.&nbsp;
Naturopath Erin O'Hara shared her insights with Francesca Rudkin as well as a few mindful eating tips to help improve digestion.
LISTEN ABOVE

Erin O'Hara: Mindful eating for better digestion

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f7e52766-4099-4941-b7d5-b3ab01805903/transcript

Pop rock band Castaway released their sophomore EP Nondual in October - the popular tracks resulting in regular airplay on many mainstream radio stations. 

Three of the five band members Joe, Rhys and Austen joined Francesca Rudkin and told her about the pressure of recording this album in such a short space of time.

They also shared how they met at Canterbury University and making the decision that music could be a career for them.

Plus they preformed Pretty Little Liars live in studio.

LISTEN ABOVE AND WATCH BELOW

Pop rock band Castaway&nbsp;released their sophomore EP Nondual in October - the popular tracks resulting in regular airplay on many mainstream radio stations.&nbsp;
Three of the five band members Joe, Rhys and Austen joined Francesca Rudkin and told her about the pressure of recording this album in such a short space of time.
They also shared how they met at Canterbury University and making the decision that music could be a career for them.
Plus they preformed Pretty Little Liars live in studio.
LISTEN ABOVE AND WATCH BELOW

Castaway: The pressure of recording 'Nondual', and performing Pretty Little Liars live in studio

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/35fda0a3-cdb9-46e0-813c-b3ab017ecb1e/transcript

Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery and Joanne Froggatt: Downton Abbey cast members talk about the series drawing to a close

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