Season 4 Characters

Start your engines, Season 4 of Downton Abbey is on. What do we know about new and old characters? Sadly, O’Brien and her bangs left the building. O’Brien schemed herself right off the show. Shirley Maclaine is back to spar with Countess Violet. Branson brings on a nanny. And our favourite flapper cousin Rose is full time at Downton.

And fear not, Julian Fellowes has written some hunks into the new Season of Downton…


Julian Ovenden Downton Abbey

Julian Ovenden appears on Downton Abbey Season 4 as aristocrat Charles Blake. Will he make a play for single mom Lady Mary? Ovenden is also a singer, but no word on whether he'll be crooning for Lady Mary.


Nigel Harman Season 4 Downton Abbey

Nigel Harman plays a visiting valet called "Green". Is this 'the one' for Thomas? Or will he give Bates a run for Anna's attention? Harman is best known for appearing on Eastenders.

Tom Cullen Downton Abbey

Tom Cullen plays Lord Gillingham, a family friend of the Crawleys. He appears as a suitor for Lady Mary. She likes them tall, dark and handsome, like Pamuk. . He makes his debut at a party thrown by the Crawley family to help lift Lady Mary's spirit.

Jack Ross is Downton Abbey’s first black character. He is good looking, charming and a spirited Jazz singer to boot.

The Jazz singer we've all been waiting for...

Lily James Downton Abbey

Lily James, Cousin Rose, joins the rest of the cast for a regular role on Downton Abbey Season 4 as she moves to Downton Abbey.

Harriet Walter Season 4 downton abbey

Dame Harriet Walter will appear as Lady Shackleton, a friend of the Dowager Countess. Apparently, her character is a force to be reckoned with who can hold her own against the sassy Countess Violet

Dame Kiri te Kanawa Downton Abbey

New Zealander Dame Kiri te Kanawa visits Downton to perform as an opera singer.

Shirley Maclaine Season 4 Downton Abbey

So Yes. Shirley Maclaine is back on Season 4 playing Martha Levinson, sharp as a tack and jazzy