It wasn't sexual in its element. I wasn't being exploited. I was doing what happened. It was very challenging because I played Phyllis from 15 years old to 53 when she died of breast cancer.

In January 2012 Down confirmed that Lesley-Anne Down would be departing the program in the coming weeks. Personal life
After ending a ten-year relationship with actor-writer Bruce Robinson Lesley-Anne Down married Enrique Gabriel in 1980 but ended their marriage after a year and a half. In 1990 Down had a starring role in the CBS drama series Dallas playing Stephanie Rogers.

She received further recognition for her performances in the films The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976) A Little Night Music (1977) The First Great Train Robbery (1979) Hanover Street (1979) Sphinx (1981) and Nomads (1986). She is also known as Madeline Fabray LaMotte Main in miniseries North and South (1985–86) for which Lesley-Anne Down was nominated for Golden Globe Awards in 1986.