Picture: Brian McEvoy
Karen Koster was left blushing on Ireland AM after a cheeky reunion with Downton Abbey star Allen Leech.
Yes, it turns out the presenter nearly starred in her own Downton romance with Mr Leech, and Allen isn’t holding back on the details.
It had been years since they’d last met, but Karen and Allen, who’s better known to Downton fans as Tom Branson, came face-to-face again at the press junket for the new movie, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
As their conversation unfolded, it became clear the two knew each other well, with Allen even sharing details from their past that left co-hosts Muireann O’Connell and Tommy Bowe stunned.
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“We go way back,” Allen informed his co-stars. “We once walked along Dun Laoghaire Pier and nearly kissed, and we didn’t.
“And life could’ve been very different,” he added.
When asked by his co-star Hugh Bonneville why it was a “nearly” kiss, Allen replied: “Well, I was thinking about it. Obviously, I never made it vocal – hence the problem!”
Defending herself, Karen jumped in, adding: “Look, I could’ve tethered you in Ireland, because of that decision, I let you free!”
While Allen jokingly replied: “Thank you for releasing me Karen by not fancying me. I really appreciate it!
“God! Now I’m all hot and bothered,” a flustered Karen laughed.
Back in the Ireland AM studio, Muireann and Tommy admitted they were more interested in hearing about Allen and Karen’s story than the Downton Abbey gossip.
And we have to say, we’re with them on that one!
