Downton Abbey star John Bates played by Brendan Coyle and Jasen Quick

Jasen Quick has been busy joining Downton Abbey stars including Jim Carter, Joanne Froggatt, Phyllis Logan and Dame Maggie Smith, adopting the character played by Brendan Coyle.

While regularly featuring in productions as an extra, Jasen had never played a character’s double before, making this a first in his performing career.

“I was made up to look exactly like John Bates, right down to the cufflinks, and then I would mimic what he was doing in long distance shots,” explains Jasen.

“During the filming I would look around and just think, ‘How did I get here with the cast of Downton Abbey?’

“It was great fun being considered a real member of the cast, but it was my first time being a double so I was a bit thrown in the deep end.”

He added: “It was a lot of pressure but it was made easy by such a helpful and approachable cast.

“A highlight was meeting Simon Jones as he was interested in my novels.”

Also an avid drawer, during his time in rehearsals Jasen sketched the Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle, which was later signed by majority of the cast.

Jasen now wants to sell the piece to make money for charity, and is thinking of giving the proceeds to Trussell Trust, as this charity helped him a few years ago when he “hit rock bottom”.

“Any chance I get I want to help raise money and awareness for them,” he added.

To contact Jasen visit jasenquick.co.uk