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    1. Celebrity News

    Downton Abbey's New 'Playboy' Cast Member Revealed!

    Downton Abbey residents are in for a shock during season 4, if new reports are anything to go by…

    By Marie Claire
    Published 24 June 2013 In News

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    Downton Abbey series 4
    Downton Abbey series 4
    (Image credit: REX)
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    Downton Abbey residents are in for a shock during season 4, if new reports are anything to go by…

    Downton Abbey residents could be in for quite a shock during season 4 of the hit show. Bosses have revealed a brand new character is set to shake things up in the Grantham household, confirming a 'maverick playboy' is coming to town.

    And not just that. The character in question will be played by none other than one of Hollywood's hottest faces - actor, Paul Giamatti.

    PICTURES: DOWNTON ABBEY SEASON 4 BEHIND THE SCENES

    It's thought Giamatti will star as Harold, the 'free-spirited' brother of Cora, Uncle of Mary and Edith and son of Martha in the ITV series.

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    Confirming the Downton Abbey appointment, Carnival Films' managing director, Gareth Neame said: 'We're excited that Paul Giamatti will be joining us on Downton to play Cora's brother Harold, the rather free-spirited uncle to Mary and Edith.

    'We can't wait to see him work alongside Shirley Maclaine, who are both sure to upset the Grantham's apple cart in this year's Christmas Day episode.'

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    Giammati, who has starred in Tom Cruise's Rock Of Ages, and Robert Pattinson's Cosmopolis in recent years, joins new new cast members Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Tom Cullen, Julian Ovenden, Nigel Harman, Joanna David and Dame Harriet Walter.

    We. Can't. Wait.

    Paul Giamatti - Downton Abbey Cast Member - Downton Abbey Season 4

    Paul Giamatti - Downton Abbey Cast Member - Downton Abbey Season 4
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Earlier this year, P.Diddy had us in stitches, after filming a spoof trailer, and claiming to have joined the Downton Abbey cast.

    What to read next
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    Meanwhile, filming for series four of the show has been ongoing in the village of Bampton, in Oxfordshire.

    The Downton Abbey cast rock the red carpet in LA

    The Downton Abbey cast rock the red carpet in LA
    (Image credit: Rex)

    WATCH the Downton Abbey cast in action…

    Are you looking forward to season 4 of Downton Abbey? Or do you think the hit show has run its course? Let us know in the comments box below…

    Got a tablet? You can now download Marie Claire magazine straight to your iPad , Kindle (just search the store for 'marie claire magazine'), Nook or Google Nexus.

    PICTURES: DOWNTON ABBEY SEASON 4 BEHIND THE SCENES

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