Ripper Street: Downton Abbey and Ripper Street battle it out for No1 period drama spot

According to the Express, Downton's reign for number 1 top TV period drama may be coming to an end.

The second series of Ripper Street, starring Matthew Macfadyen and Jerome Flynn, will now start at the end of this month and could be pitched against Downton

A BBC spokesman last night refused to reveal which night Ripper Street will be scheduled on but ruled out going head-to-head with Downton on Sunday nights.

Ripper Street has already taken over from Downton as Britain’s costliest period drama at £1.5million an episode.