Downton Abbey Cast Look Sombre As They Film Matthew Crawley's Funeral

PICS: Downton Abbey series 4 filming gets underway at a memorial service for the deceased Crawley

The Downton Abbey cast look miserable as filming for the show's fourth season gets under way. But they have good reason - they were filming scenes showing Matthew Crawley's funeral. Led by Maggie Smith, the actors looked sombre as they filmed a memorial service for the deceased Crawley, played by Dan Stevens, who was killed off in the Christmas special, much to the dismay of fans. DOWNTON ABBEY SERIES FOUR ON-SET PICS

Filming for the highly anticipated period drama may get off to a bit of a morbid start but producers have promised there are a few things in the pipeline to put a smile back on fans faces.

Recently widowed Lady Mary, played by Michelle Dockery, is apparently going to find love again with heartthrob Tom Ellis's new character.

And, even more excitingly, the series will finally get its first black character, a handsome musician named Jack Ross, who has a residency at an exclusive club. DOWNTON ABBEY TO INTRODUCE FIRST BLACK CHARACTER

According to The Sun, casting notes were sent to various agents at the start of the month and describe Jack as male, 25-30, black and very hot, 'Overall he should be a very attractive man with a certain wow factor,' a source says.

'The role also requires ‘A real man (not a boy) with charm and charisma.’ But he’ll also have to sing brilliantly.' DOWNTON ABBEY SERIES FOUR ON-SET PICS

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