At first glance it appears Michelle Keegan has landed the role of a lifetime as she glams up for her debut on Downton Abbey. However, further investigation reveals that the actress is simply joining the cast for the Christmas Special Text Santa episode. The 28-year-old star has been snapped in an elegant 1920s ensemble giving fans of the ITV show an extra reason to tune in for the festive fun.
© Photo: ITVMichelle looked every bit the Downton Abbey star in her 1920s flapper gear
The brunette, who is married to The Only Way Is Essex star Mark Wright, was pictured in a room of the Yorkshire country estate, wearing a embroidered pink dress, long satin gloves and glamorous silver accessories while rocking a Twenties-esque hair do.
The former Coronation Street actress will be joined by a whole host of celebrities including Gordon Ramsay, Sir Bruce Forsyth, Gok Wan and Jim Broadben who are all auditioning for the role of Santa on the Christmas skit. Michelle's character tries to impress Hugh Bonneville’s Lord Grantham and Penelope Wilton’s Isobel Crawley with her acting during the three-hour episode due to air on December 18, all in aid of charity.
© Photo: ITVSir Bruce Forsyth is also due to appear in the Text Santa episode
Hollywood actor George Clooney starred in the Downton Abbey Text Santa episode last year where he played a guest visitor to the Crawleys' home in the show, with Lady Grantham initially mistaking him for her husband.
Michelle was tight lipped about appearing on the award-winning show when she chatted exclusively to HELLO! Online about her Christmas plans, simply saying: "We're spending it in Manchester this year which I'm really excited for," the star said, who lives with Mark in her husband's native Essex. "Just because for the past two years we've been in Essex."
© Photo: ITVThe charity special will feature the familiar cast as well as special guests
The popular TV show is also preparing to air the much-anticipated last episode and fans were treated to a trailer which was released on Wednesday. The final ever episode will serve up the "love and loss, happiness and heartbreak" that viewers have come to know and love from the period drama and is due to air on Christmas Day.
