Rogue bull wreaks havoc on Downton Abbey set

A rogue bull has caused havoc after escaping on the set of Downton Abbey

A rogue bull caused chaos after breaking free from his pen on the set of the new season of Downton Abbey.

A number of farm animals had been brought in a for a scene set at an agricultural show, but filming on the final season of the show had to be stopped after the bull got loose and tried to mount a cow.

Raquel Cassidy, who plays housemaid Phyllis Baxter, said a cow on heat in a nearby pen proved too alluring for the bull, The Mirror reported.

"There were pigs and a massive, massive bull who actually tried to mount a cow ... The old lady in the green room cottage used to be a shepherdess and she said it was an accident waiting to happen.

"It was supposed to be a show, giving out prizes and he was the prize bull ... You've got a cow on heat and a bull next door. That's not going to last. Sure enough he broke through part of the set to get to her."

Cassidy said everyone had to scramble out of the animal's way, but "thankfully no one got hurt".

The sixth and final series of the drama is set to debut in late September.

- nzherald.co.nz