Dan Stevens, the beloved actor who played Matthew Crawley on the hit series Downton Abbey, has finally revealed the reasons behind his departure from the show. Stevens, in an interview with The Telegraph, opened up about his decision to leave the critically acclaimed series and the impact it had on his career.

Stevens stated that his exit from Downton Abbey was indeed a difficult decision to make. He acknowledged that the show had become immensely popular, and he really enjoyed being a part of it. However, after three successful seasons, he felt it was time for him to explore other opportunities and challenge himself as an actor.

The catalyst for his departure was a play he had been offered that required him to completely change his physical appearance. The role required him to lose a considerable amount of weight and shave his head, which was a drastic departure from his dapper Downton Abbey persona. Stevens saw it as an opportunity to take on a different type of role and showcase his versatility as an actor.

Stevens admitted that the decision to leave did not come easily, especially since Downton Abbey had provided him with a great platform and a dedicated fan base. However, he felt the need to take risks and avoid being typecast as Matthew Crawley for the rest of his career.

Stevens wanted to prove that he could play a wide range of characters and break free from the confines of a single role.

In addition to his desire for creative growth, Stevens also shared that family reasons contributed to his decision. Being away from his wife and children for long periods while filming in England was challenging, and he wanted to spend more time with his family, especially since his children were growing up.

Stevens admitted that leaving the show was a risky move, and he was unsure of how it would affect his career. However, he believed that taking risks is essential in the entertainment industry, and he was willing to face the consequences.

Fortunately, his decision paid off, and since leaving Downton Abbey, Stevens has been involved in a wide variety of successful projects, including theater, film, and television.

In conclusion, Dan Stevens explained that his decision to leave Downton Abbey was driven by the desire for creative growth, the need to challenge himself as an actor, and the wish to spend more time with his family. Despite the risks involved, Stevens is grateful for the opportunities that have come his way since departing from the show.