Gareth Neame commented at a recent press launch: “[Series 4 is] by and large set in 1922 so it’s not spanning… some of the other seasons we spanned more years. But I think the energy and the rhythm of the show is exactly the same as it’s always been.”

He added: “[We have] new characters coming in – we have some below stairs … More new servants come in. And also, of course, there are new family friends coming in above stairs … It keeps the whole thing energised.”

Discussing what’s coming up for Mary and Branson in the new series, Neame teased: “…rather like Branson, Mary is not really open to moving on from Matthew at all, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t interest from other men in her. Even though she’s not really interested. She can’t see a life beyond Matthew.”

Series 4 begins on ITV this autumn.

Are you looking forward to 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…