SPOILER ALERT: Miranda's Tom Ellis will join cast of Downton Abbey as Lady Mary's love interest

Heartthrob: Miranda star Tom Ellis impressed producers at his audition

When viewers saw Dan Stevens' Matthew Crawley pass away at the end of Downton Abbey's third series, heartfelt concern went out to his widow.

However, Lady Mary, played by Michelle Dockery, is going to have a smile brought back to her face thanks to a new love interest.

The distressed single mother will be courted by a new man in the form of Miranda heartthrob Tom Ellis.
The 34-year-old actor, who is married to Tamzin Outhwaite, had to audition for a role on the show but left producers very impressed with his portrayal of the new love interest.

According to the Daily Mirror, a source at ITV said that Tom's legion of female admirers twinned with his acting ability is what won him the part.

The source said: 'He really showed his versatility, and he's also incredibly popular with the female viewers.'

 

 

 

Looking up: Lady Mary, pictured with deceased husband Matthew Crawley, will have a new suitor in series four of Downton Abbey

Welsh born Ellis is best known for his role as Gary Preston in BBC comedy Miranda, but this move to Downton could launch his career in the US.

He will be hoping his character doesn't face as grizzly an end as Dan Stevens' did after he asked to released from the series for professional reasons.

Downton creator Julian Fellowes hinted that Lady Mary and her newborn daughter will not be alone for long.

 

Cheerio, son: Matthew Crawley crashed his car and died leaving his wife Lady Mary and newborn daughter alone

Happy days: Dan Stevens, as Matthew Crawley, was written out of series three of Downton Abbey

When speaking to the New York Times, Fellowes said: 'We begin Series 4 six months later. We don't have to do funerals and all that stuff. That's all in the past by then.'

No doubt Tom has been watching as many episodes as possible in anticipation of his first day on set, unlike Dame Maggie Smith.

The veteran actress, who plays the Dowager Countess of Grantham, admitted earlier this month that she never watches a single episode.

She said: 'I was just pausing because I've never actually seen it. I don't sit down and watch it. No, I've never watched it.'

 

Veteran star: Dame Maggie Smith, who plays the Dowager Countess of Grantham, has never watched an episode of Downton