Ethel Parks is a new housemaid who makes her first appearance in the second series, replacing the person who, possibly, replaced Gwen.[1] Ethel is portrayed by Amy Nuttall.
She was formerly head maid - though out of only two maids - in a much smaller household and resents her lower position at Downton. She does not like being told what to do, especially by Anna, and frequently has to be prodded to do her work. She is a highly modern woman. She is independent and she is her own girl. She has her ways. She does not want to be in service, would rather spend her time reading Hollywood magazines and gossiping, and does not make light of her perceived sufferings.
Wanting more than she has at present she began an affair with a major while he was being treated at Downton and is dismissed by Mrs. Hughes when they are discovered together. However, she returns later when she discovers she is pregnant, because she has nowhere else to go. Luckily, Mrs. Hughes assists her and secretly watches over her.
In Series 3 Ethel has fallen on hard times but receives help from Mrs Hughes.[2]
References
- ↑ It is unlikely, given that Gwen left Downton in 1914 and Ethel joined in 1916, that she is the ONLY person to have replaced Gwen; it is likely that Ethel replaced the person who replaced Gwen, like Jane later did with her.
- ↑ http://primetime.unrealitytv.co.uk/downton-abbey-series-3-phyllis-logan-and-amy-nuttall-discuss-the-future-for-mrs-hughes-and-ethel/