ITV has released the first photo of American film actor Paul Giamatti as Cora’s “maverick, playboy brother” in Downton Abbey.

The Sideways star will make his debut as Harold in this year’s Christmas special, which also features the return of Shirley MacLaine as Martha Levinson.

Executive producer Gareth Neame commented: “We’re excited that Paul Giamatti will be joining us on Downton to play Cora’s brother Harold, the rather free-spirited uncle to Mary and Edith. We can’t wait to see him work alongside Shirley Maclaine, who are both sure to upset the Grantham’s apple cart in this year’s Christmas Day episode.”

Are you looking forward to the arrival of Harold? Let us know below…

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