The cast of Downton Abbey: Soon to be ruffled. Publicity still.
Television has been a bleak place since the last series of ITV’s ludicrously successful Downton Abbey wrapped up, with only Benedict Cumberbatch in Parade’s End to bravely carry on the grand tradition of looking posh in a period drama. But fear not: The third season of Downton premieres on 16 September, and we’ve got the trailer to prove it.
When we last left the plush interiors of Downton Abbey, Matthew had just proposed to Mary in the “wishes do come true” Christmas special, whilst Anna and her Mr. Bates were cruelly separated by the law after he was found guilty of murdering his wife and sentenced to life in prison. Lady Sybil, our budding suffragette, married Branson, the chauffeur, and Lady Edith was… well, ignored. There was more – much more – but we won’t go into all the particulars.
Onto the third season: So far, we know that acerbic American grande dame Shirley MacLaine will be appearing as Cora’s mother, to do battle with Maggie Smith’s indomitable Dowager Countess of Grantham. There’s a new footman who’s really tall and O’Brien, Cora’s remorsefully evil maid, may prefer him to Thomas. Lady Edith may just get her man – just as the Crawleys lose all their money! Maybe!
Downton Abbey series three trailer:
More on Downton Abbey
- Downton back for a third season – but has it jumped the shark?
- The Downton Abbey Christmas Special: What you need to know
- Downton ends with a secret wedding, a death, and more
- Downton Abbey gets third season
- Downton causes surge in American book-buying
