Downton Abbey to introduce first black character

Downton Abbey producers are working on a storyline about race relations

Downton Abbey is about to begin filming series four and to shake things up producers are planning to introduce the show’s first black character.

The Sun reports the new addition to the cast will form part of a storyline around race relations in the 1920s.

DAME MAGGIE SMITH: I’VE NEVER WATCHED DOWNTON ABBEY

The character will be called Jack Ross, a musician and singer who has a residency at an exclusive club. According to the newspaper, casting notes were sent to various agents at the start of the month and describe Jack as male, 25-30, black and very handsome.

The physical attributes appear to be those most stressed in the criteria, with the notes adding: ‘Overall he should be a very attractive man with a certain wow factor.’

The role also requires ‘A real man (not a boy) with charm and charisma.’ But he’ll also have to sing brilliantly.

Downton Abbey’s producers seem to be a demanding lot!

DOWNTON ABBEY’S DAN STEVENS TO PLAY MR DARCY?

Jack Ross won’t be the only new addition to the cast, Lady Mary Crawley will have a new love interested in the form of Lord Anthony Gillingham. Not only is he thought to help heal her broken heart after the tragic death of Matthew Crawley but he’ll also assist with the family’s financial problems.

Casting notes for Lord Anthony describe him as: ‘good looking, very charismatic, 35 to 45-year-old with a perfect cut glass accent. He’s warm and charming, but also a strong man with morals.’

A third character, Sir John Bullock, will also join the award-winning TV show and whoever is chosen to play him ‘must be able to act drunk.’

Bring on series four!

WATCH! Downton Abbey’s Ed Speelers (Jimmy Kent) interview:

DOWNTON ABBEY’S LAURA CARMICHAEL ON HER DOWDY CHARACTER MICHELLE DOCKERY HAS THE PERFECT FIGURE