‘Downton Abbey’ goes operatic: Kiri Te Kanawa to guest star as Nellie Melba

LONDON – “Downton Abbey,” the world’s favourite country-house soap, is getting a dose of opera.

Producers say soprano Kiri Te Kanawa will appear in the upcoming fourth season as real-life diva Nellie Melba.

The New Zealand-born singer says “I couldn’t say yes fast enough” to appearing in a show she loves — and enjoyed her time on set so much she named her new dog Abbey.

Te Kanawa sang for journalists at a preview of the new season on Tuesday. In the new series, Melba — a huge star of the early 20th century — joins the aristocratic Grantham clan for a house party.

The costume drama about the family and servants in an English stately home returns to British television this fall, and airs in the U.S. on PBS in January.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles