ITV's award-winning series Downton Abbey has announced that actor Gary Carr will be joining its cast. The 26-year-old Death in Paradise star will play jazz singer Jack Ross alongside show favourites Elizabeth McGovern – aka Lady Grantham – and Michelle Dockery, known to fans as Lady Mary Crawley.
Delighted bosses described Gary's character as "a charming and charismatic young man" who is sure to inject some spice into the highly-anticipated fourth series. TV executive Gareth Neame said, "We are delighted to introduce another fantastic, dynamic character to Downton Abbey. "His addition will bring interesting twists to the drama which we can't wait for viewers to see in series 4."
Gary joins a host of new actors who promise to bring fresh perspective to the Golden Globe-winning series.
Welsh actor Tom Cullen takes on the role of Lord Gillingham, a potential suitor for the widowed Lady Mary, who is seen above cradling her newborn son George in a still released from the programme. Foyle's War star Julian Ovenden is set to play the aristocratic Charles Blake and former EastEnder Nigel Harman also joins the show as a visiting valet named Green. There are also two new Dames on the Abbey. Maori soprano Kiri Te Kanawa will feature alongside fellow Dame Harriet Walter, known for her roles in Sense and Sensibility and Atonement. Both women are pictured below.
The new series won't air in the UK until the Autumn, but stills released from the hit period drama have already sparked excitement among fans.