Could a Downton Abbey movie follow the show’s sixth and final season?

Last week we let you know that Downton Abbey, beloved period show and home for snarky old ladies, would be closing its doors following its sixth season. For those of you wanting to see more from the Crawley family you might be in luck; Downton Abbey executive producer Gareth Neame took questions from the press shortly after the official announcement and the subject of a possible film was brought up:

Our position on that is we would be very interested in that. It is definitely something we're contemplating. It would be great fun to do. I think it would be a wonderful extension of everything that people loved about the TV show, but I can't confirm that it's definitely going to happen, we shall see.

Personally, I'd much rather see the show wrap everything up in the final season; a cliffhanger followed by a "now go to the theater and watch the film" seems like a cheap way to keep the series going slightly longer. Both Gareth Neame and the show's creator Julian Fellowes released statements commenting on the show's end.

Julian Fellowes:

The Downton journey has been amazing for everyone aboard. People ask if we knew what was going to happen when we started to make the first series and the answer is that, of course we had no idea. Exactly why the series had such an impact and reached so many people around the world, all nationalities, all ages, all types, I cannot begin to explain. But I do know how grateful we are to have been allowed this unique experience.

Gareth Neame:

Millions of people around the world have followed the journey of the Crawley family and those who serve them for the last five years. Inevitably there comes a time when all shows should end and Downton is no exception. We wanted to close the doors of Downton Abbey when it felt right and natural for the storylines to come together and when the show was still being enjoyed so much by its fans. We can promise a final season full of all the usual drama and intrigue, but with the added excitement of discovering how and where they all end up.

It's been a fun ride but I'm thankful that they're closing up shop while the show is still sucessful and it becomes less and less believable that Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess is still kicking.

How does the idea of a movie sound? Or would you rather the show wrap everything up on the small screen?