When Downton Abbey’s much-loved cook Mrs Patmore sprinkled salt rather than sugar on to the pudding, it was clear she had to face up to her failing eyesight. In the hit ITV series, Downton grandee ...

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No one is sure quite who she is. Or what to do with her. An object of sympathy more than affection, pity more than pleasure, she has endured hit after hit of rejection only to get hit once more on ...