Are You Ready for the Next Season of Downton Abbey?

Have you been having Downton Abbey withdrawal symptoms? If so, fear not because we have some information about the greatly-anticipated third series.

The Irish Independent reports that austerity, Irish republicanism and the arrival of a new, highly intimidating character from America (played by Oscar-winner Shirley MacLaine no less!) will all feature in the next series of the programme.

Shirley MacLaine will take up the role of Lady Cora’s mother and you can bet she’ll have some major clashes with the Dowager Countess as she tries to shake up the old traditions of Downton.

According to reports, the Earl of Grantham will face financial ruin and female members of the household will be inspired by the suffragette movement.

“The world is changing after the Great War. The Downton family have to work out if they’ve got a future or if they’re going to the wall, because plenty of those families did,” said Julian Fellowes, the creator of the ITV drama.

Speaking about the addition of Shirley MacLaine to the cast, Julian admits that he was scared beforehand:

“I was terrified beforehand, she’s a living legend but she was so warm-hearted and witty,” he said.

Julian had been looking for a character to clash horns with Maggie Smith, who plays the Dowager Countess and he believes that the grumpy Dowager has met her match in MacLaine’s character.

“The Countess thinks things were better in the past and everything is falling to bits. Martha thinks everything changing is great and that the future will be terrific,” said Julian.

According to reports, most cast members have already signed up for another two series and Julian has promised fans that the roaring twenties and the “madcap Charleston era” are still to come.

However, there are fears that Maggie Smith’s character, the Dowager Countless, will be written out of the series as the actress has not yet signed a contract for any future series.

We’re already counting down the days until the next series hits our shores!