'Downton Abbey' update: six new roles officially cast, plus Mary in mourning

Credit: Zap2It

Via: Zap2It

It's rare to see a show as successful as Downton Abbey go through as many drastic changes in as short a period of time as the fourth season of Julian Fellowes' hit costume drama.

First, we learned that casting was underway for three new roles, including both Lady Mary's new love interest and the series' first black character.

Then, Siobhan Finneran announced that she would not be returning for a fourth season as the devious O'Brien.

Now comes the news that six new roles have been officially cast for the show's fourth season. The latest additions include:

-Tom Cullen ("World Without End") as Lord Gillingham, an old family friend of the Crawleys who visits the family as a guest for a house party (pictured above, left). Lord Anthony Gillingham was previously reported as the new love interest for the newly-widowed Lady Mary.

-Dame Harriet Walter ("Law & Order: UK") as Lady Shackleton, an old friend of the Dowager (above, right).

-Nigel Harman ("EastEnders") as Green, a valet.

-Joanna David ("Pride and Prejudice") in a guest role as the Duchess of Yeovil.

-Julian Ovenden ("Cashmere Mafia") as aristocrat Charles Blake.

-Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ("La Boheme") as a guest who sings in the house.

In addition, Shirley MacLaine will return for the Season 4 finale as Martha Levinson, the mother to Lady Cora.

"'Downton Abbey' has seen many great characters visit the house over the years and we couldn't be more thrilled to welcome the new faces that will be joining the regular cast of Downton Abbey in Season 4," says executive producer Gareth Neame says. "We hope audiences will be as excited about them as we are."

Co-executive producer Rebecca Eaton adds, "The addition of these characters can only mean more delicious drama -- which is what Downton Abbey is all about."

Hey, as long as the drama is delicious...

Oh, and before I go, check out this first image of Lady Mary Crawley along with baby George, the son of the late Matthew Crawley.

Credit: ITV

Oh, Mary. Even in mourning, you look achingly lovely. You've come a long way from the days of getting rotary-dialed by a Turkish diplomat who then dies in your bed and goes on to star in a CBS cop drama. Now if only you could dress your kid in something other than the same white sailor outfit that every infant boy has been made to wear since time immemorial (myself included). I mean, sheesh, I wouldn't look at the camera either.

Via: Zap2It