'Downton Abbey' casting: first black character, Mary's new love-interest, more

By Nick Roman ·

Much of Downton Abbey season 3 depicted the trend towards modernization, from the business with the management of the estate, to the decision to kill off one of the series' most beloved characters via the relatively modern means of a car accident (as opposed to the relatively esoteric Spanish Influenza or eclampsia -- or that whole unfortunate World War I thing that history books keep telling us about).

In furtherance of that trend, the upcoming season of Downton Abbey will add a black character to its cast; particularly, a musician names Jack Ross.

Casting notes were sent out earlier this month for a “Male, 25-30. A musician (singer) at an exclusive club in the 20s," with the description that the character should be "black and very handsome. A real man (not a boy) with charm and charisma" and “ideally be able to sing brilliantly”. The notes add: “Overall he should be a very attractive man with a certain wow factor.”

In addition to Jack Ross, the widow Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery) will have a new suitor in her life -- the dashing Lord Anthony Gillingham, who helps the family with their financial troubles. Lord Anthony is described as a “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," because casting calls are not so far removed from eHarmony profiles, apparently.

Welsh actor Tom Ellis was reportedly the frontrunner for the role after what was said to be an impressive audition, according to People.

Credit: Bauer-Griffin

However, Ellis took to Twitter recently to deny the rumors:

Meanwhile, another new character is being added to the fray, by the name of Sir John Bullock. He's described as "a party-loving cad", which is such a terrifically British characterization, it makes besottedness sound positively cosmopolitan. The role has yet to be cast, but notes state that potential auditioners “must be able to act drunk”. Guess I'd better book my plane ticket.

Filming on season four of Downton Abbey is set to begin on March 23.

Via: The Sun

TV