ITV has released a short clip from this year’s Downton Abbey sketch for fundraising event Text Santa.

The scene sees Lord Grantham on the search for the right Father Christmas for the Abbey, with none other than Brenda Blethyn from ITV crime drama Vera as one of the auditionees.

The full sketch will air during Text Santa Christmas Jumper Day at 8pm on Friday 18 December on ITV.

Watch the clip…

To donate £5 text SANTA5 to 70760; to give £10 text SANTA10 to 70760; to donate by phone call 0300 123 6060; or donate online at itv.com.

Downton Abbey will end with a two-hour festive special at 8.45pm on Friday 25 December on ITV.

> Buy the complete Season 1-6 box set on Amazon.

Are you looking forward to this year’s Text Santa? Let us know below…