It was the cast and characters of “Downton Abbey” like we’ve never seen them before on the U.K.’s “Text Santa” television fundraiser event. Sure, Maggie Smith‘s Dowager Countess breaking a world ski record was only seen in one ridiculously awesome newspaper photo in the nine-minute video spoof, but the rest of the hilarious moments were captured on-screen
As an example, the Granthams discover that they could save $40,000 annually simply by learning to dress themselves.But of course, the family finds this idea absolutely absurd.
The short had a familiar plot, with Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) learning he’s lost the family fortune … again. Wishing he’d never been born, he’s visited by “Absolutely Fabulous” star Joanna Lumley for a look at what life would have been like, à la “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Jeremy Piven shows up as his character from “Mr. Selfridge,” selling intimate undergarments to the women of the family, with Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) interested in a nice pair of heels.
As startling as the difference is in the upstairs world, it’s the strip poker going on downstairs that really sets Grantham off. Even worse, he discovers that his replacement is none other than George Clooney, the Marquis of Hollywood.
The entire family, including the Dowager Countess, is enamored with the new addition to the family. A single kiss from Clooney is enough to drop the Countess to the floor, while Thomas (Rob James-Collier) continues to be a sneak throughout both videos — though we learn that his terrible behavior is actually a part of his contractual obligations as a footman.
The show even pokes fun at itself with an appearance by creator Julian Fellowes. After Lord Grantham questions how his daughters could exist if he doesn’t, Fellowes says, “Don’t worry about that. Nobody cares.”
Celebrating with 'Man of Steel,' Seth Rogen, 'Downton Abbey' and a Giant Pink Teddy Bear (Photos)
"Les Miserables'" Eddie Redmayne and Luke Treadaway pair for mini-tennis in Moet & Chandon's suite at the Aegon Championships in London on Sunday. Local hero Andy Murray won the Wimbledon warm-up tourney. (Dave M. Benett/Getty)
Adrian Grenier and Mckenna Grace costar with a giant teddy as they arrive to their premiere of the apocalyptic "Goodbye World" at the L.A. Film Festival on Saturday. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Rooney Mara and Casey Affleck flank their writer/director David Lowery at the "Ain't Them Bodies Saints" premiere on Saturday. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
As Warner's "Man of Steel" racked up records around the world, Russell Crowe, Amy Adams and Henry Cavill were in London on opening-eve premiere in Leicester Square. (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
From childhood pals to a big summer opening: co-writer-directors Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg flank "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" executive producer Joe Drake at premiere party for "This is the End" hosted by Fiji Water. (Getty Images)
"Downton Abbey's" Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Elizabeth McGovern and Rob James-Collier ("Thomas." without hair) starred in an event hosted by Ciroc at the Television Academy. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
MySpace relaunched on Wednesday targeting the crossroads of music streaming and "social" media. At the crossroads of Wilshire and La Brea, Robin Thicke, Pharrell and surprise "jump in" Miley Cyrus performed at the relaunch party on Wednesday.
From stage, Thicke baited "J.T." to join them, but the black hatted Timberlake (in a booth house left) didn't bite. MySpace "exec" Timberlake, with Olivia Wilde, Dianna Agron and Kenna inside the El Rey. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Pharrell had three outfit changes at the event, which also featured Nervo, who had Ryan Seacrest open for them on the decks at XIV Summer Sessions in Hollywood last weekend.
Tyler the Creator was baffled by "people in suits in a nightclub," started a moshpit, and spit water on the crowd. He may be a rookie to the corporate gig circuit. (Photos by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
Ashley Tisdale and Perez Hilton (sporting Amanda Bynes) got the message loud and clear: "New" Myspace is artists and music. (Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
The night before, Thicke had been in NYC for the Samsung Hope for Children Gala. Here, John Legend chats with What's Trending's Shira Lazar on his way in to the mixed crowd room -- Rick Ross, Chris Noth, Rosario Dawson, and Jersey Shore's "Vinny."
Wes Bentley and Kim Ledger in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday night for the Australians in Film/Heath Ledger Scholarship foundation dinner aimed at helping actors from Down Under crack the international market. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Michael B. Jordan, WIF president Cathy Schulman and cinematographer Rachel Morrison (holding the Kodak Vision Award) backstage at the Beverly Hilton during Women In Film's 2013 Crystal + Lucy Awards. (Mark Davis/Getty Images)
George Lucas (the Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award winner) with Kathleen Kennedy backstage at WIF. "I'm so proud to be included with all the women…and George," fellow honoree Sofia Coppola joked.
The women of "Mad Men" were amongst the night's honorees. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for WIF)
Caps ... thrown. AFI President Bob Gazzale, Kathryn Bigelow, and Jeremy Renner headlined the AFI Conservatory's 2013 Commencement. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images for AFI)
Katie Holmes, Naomi Watts, Connie Britton and Anna Kendrick link up and link arms at Coach's Summer Party on The Highline in New York on June 11. (Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for Coach)
Meanwhile back in L.A., "True Blood" and real-life couple Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin with executive producer Gregg Feinberg and Sue Naegle at the Season 6 premiere party. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Bob Newhart and Chuck Lorre in the pit at the Critics' Choice Television Awards. (Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
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”Man of Steel“, ”This is the End“ teams celebrate, Jeremy Renner’s graduation robes, new MySpace wants you back, and inside and backstage the best industry parties of the week.
"Les Miserables'" Eddie Redmayne and Luke Treadaway pair for mini-tennis in Moet & Chandon's suite at the Aegon Championships in London on Sunday. Local hero Andy Murray won the Wimbledon warm-up tourney. (Dave M. Benett/Getty)