Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael reveals first role as doctor’s assistant

Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael has revealed she was once a GP’s receptionist for the partner of a top fashion designer.

The actress attended the VIP party of Raimund Berthold last night, four years after manning phones for his partner, Paul.

The 28-year-old, who plays Lady Edith Crawley, took on the secretarial role after graduating from drama school and while dashing between auditions.

She got to know Austrian-born Berthold, who showcased his designs at London Collections: Men yesterday, through his partner Paul who was a doctor at the practice.

When she landed the Downton role, she quit within weeks and was soon rehearsing alongside Dame Maggie Smith.

She said: “I was secretary in the doctor’s surgery, which I did before I got Downton Abbey. I had been to drama school and they were very patient with me as I ran off for auditions.

“It’s so lovely to see Raimond. We’ve remained friends and I’m so happy he is doing so well.”

The Bristol Old Vic graduate is halfway through filming the fifth series of Downton, which will see Richard E Grant and Sue Johnston join the cast.

Carmichael said: “It’s going really well. Richard E Grant is really good, a bit of a legend. He’s fantastic to watch, a lovely man. So many new people are joining the cast it’s really exciting.”

As for rumours that this may be the final series, she said: “I have no idea. We [actors] are the last people to know. We just wait for the scripts to turn up.”

Elsewhere at men’s fashion week, Samuel L Jackson made an appearance at the GQ Style and Dunhill party at Bourdon House, while indie rocker Miles Kane performed an intimate gig during Adrien Sauvage's after-show party at Scotch.