Elizabeth McGovern, 53, says losing her sex appeal was ”liberating.” The Downton Abbey star revealed she is pleased people don’t look at her as a sexual being because it feels freeing. She explained: ”Losing your sex appeal is no bad thing. People look at me in a way that is not as immediately sexual as they did when I was young. I find that liberating. You can operate on a different level, without having to contend with that dynamic all the time.” However, Elizabeth – who plays Cora Crawley in the ITV period drama – admitted that she sometimes forgets that she has reached her 50s. She said: ”I don’t see myself as middle-aged, and whenever anyone refers to me as such, I find it shocking, but not offensive. I feel exactly the same as when I was 18, except with more confidence and more of a secure grounding under my feet. I feel better.” Meanwhile, it was revealed recently that the cast of Downton Abbey are planning to release a Christmas album. Titled Christmas at Downton Abbey, the project has been backed by classical music label Rhino, according to The Sun.