After speculation as to why "Downton Abbey" will end, producer Gareth Neame has finally explained the rationale for ending the beloved series.

During an interview, Neame explained that it was the right time to end the series, especially when it was so popular and had great reviews. He said, "Inevitably, there comes a time when all shows should end, and 'Downton' is no exception. We wanted to close the doors when it felt right and natural for the story lines to come together and when the show was still being enjoyed so much by its fans."

He also noted that it was important to end so the actors could work on projects.

"It's been clear that the cast members have been trying to use their 'Downton' fame as a springboard to other roles, and ending the show gives them more of a chance," he noted.

Lily James, Jessica Brown Findlay, Michelle Dockery and Dan Stevens have been incredibly fortunate after the show. James recently starred in "Cinderella" and scored outstanding reviews for her turn as the main character. Meanwhile Findlay starred in "Albatross," "Winter's Tale," and "Lullaby," and Dockery has made appearances in "Hanna," "Anna Karenina," and "Non-Stop." Stevens recently appeared in the indie hit "The Guest" and is set to play the Beast in Disney's live-action adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast."

Maggie Smith also regained her popularity as she went on to star in "Quartet" and the hit franchise "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel."

"Downton Abbey" chronicles the lives of the Crawley family and their servants, beginning in the years leading up to World War I. The show has been extremely popular ever since it premiered in 2010 and has went on to win a number of awards including Golden Globes, Emmys, BAFTAs, SAG awards and PGA awards. The last season is set to air in 2016 on PBS.

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