Neame told E!: “This is a lesson in something that seems like a really big loss in the moment, but will actually turn into a great opportunity… which it will also be for the show, to take a turn in a whole different direction.”

The exec has also described Series 4 as a “reset” for Lady Mary’s character.

A fourth series and Christmas 2013 special were confirmed by ITV in November.

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

> Order Series 4 on DVD on Amazon.

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

Watch the Series 3 trailer…