18 Classic Downton Quotes That Are Also Hilarious. Take it away, Countess Violet...

Downton Abbey is about to return to our screens for the final series. Take a look back with brilliant quotes from the one lady we're going to miss most - the snobby, scornful and source of guaranteed LOLs, Dowager Countess Violet Crawley.

Downton Abbey is about to return to our screens for the *sob* final series. Much as we love all the Granthams, Countess Violet will forever hold a place in our hearts thanks to her snobby, scornful and hilarious one-liners. In homage to the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, we've chosen our all-time favourite quotes:

"Don't be defeatest, dear. It's very middle class."

“There’s nothing simpler than avoiding people you don’t like. Avoiding one’s friends, that’s the real test.”

“Principles are like prayers. Noble of course. But awkward at a party.”

“She’s so slight a real necklace would flatten her.”

“I do hope I’m interrupting something.”

"Is this an instrument of communication or torture?"

"It seems a pity to miss such a good pudding."

“We’ll have to take her abroad, in these moments you can usually find an Italian who’s not too picky.”

“Mary won’t take Matthew Crawley, so we better get her settled before the bloom is quite gone off the rose”

“Give him a date for when Mary’s out of mourning. No one wants to kiss a girl in black.”

“Edith, you are a Lady, not Toad of Toad Hall.”

“Switzerland has everything to offer, except perhaps conversation. And one can learn to live without that.”

"Is there any way to shut him up?"

“I was right about my maid. She’s leaving – to get married! How could she be so selfish?”

"When you talk like that, I'm tempted to ring for Nanny and have you put to bed with no supper."

“Things are different in America, they live in Wig Wams.”

“What is a weekend?”

“First electricity, now telephones. Sometimes I feel as if I’m living in an H.G. Wells novel.”