Set in 1919, the two-hour special sees Downton Abbey hosting a lavish Christmas party.

However, despite being the season of goodwill, tensions are rife and Bates’s arrest has cast a shadow over the festivities. Will he be a condemned man or will he be found innocent in time for the annual servants ball?

Following a contretemps at the shooting party, Mary has to consider her future with Sir Richard Carlisle. Meanwhile, Violet has concerns about Rosamund, whose new suitor – the dashing but raffish Lord Hepworth (Nigel Havers) – is not all he seems.

Are you looking forward to the Christmas special? Let us know below…

> Buy the Series 2 boxset on Amazon.

Watch the Series 2 trailer…