Coyle told Radio Times: “We see a darker and a more determined side to Bates than we’ve seen before in Series 4.”

He added: “…there’s even more [of Bates’ mean and nasty side] in store for you this year…”

The Starlings actor has also told Digital Spy: “I’m going to stick my neck out and say it’s our best series ever. It’s certainly my best series ever. My storylines are phenomenal… And I’m not going to die in a car crash!”

Series 4 will air on ITV later this year.

ITV announced yesterday that Paul Giamatti (The Amazing Spider-Man 2) has joined the Downton Abbey cast as Cora’s “maverick, playboy brother” Harold in this year’s Christmas special, alongside a returning Shirley MacLaine as Martha Levinson.

What are your hopes for Bates in Series 4? Let us know below…

> Buy the complete Series 1-3 boxset on Amazon.

> Order Series 4 on DVD on Amazon.

Watch the Series 3 trailer…