From The Square To The Abbey… Former Eastenders Star Set For Downton Debut

Nigel Harman is one of six new faces signed up to appear in the upcoming fourth series of Downton Abbey.

The actor is best known for playing Dennis Rickman in EastEnders and Lord Farquaad in Shrek in the West End. He is set to star as a visiting valet in the new run of episodes, due to air later this year.

Gareth Neame, executive producer on the series, said in a statement: "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 in series four.

"We hope audiences will be as excited about them as we are."

You'd want to clean your face Dennis...

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

Harman will be joined by other new faces including Tom Culle, Dame Harriet Walter, Joanna Davis, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Julian Ovenden.

The fourth season began shooting last week, with cast members including Dame Maggie Smith spotting filming funeral scenes for the character of Matthew Crawley, who was killed off in the Christmas special.