ITV has announced details of the final episode of Downton Abbey this Christmas.

Season 6 concluded on ITV last weekend and the period drama will end with a feature-length special on Christmas Day next month.

Patricia Hodge (Miranda) will join the cast as Bertie Pelham’s mother, while Lily James (Cinderella) and Matt Barber (Being Human) will return as Lady Rose and Atticus Aldridge, alongside Peter Egan (Unforgotten) as Lady Rose’s father, Shrimpie.

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

The official synopsis for the episode reads: “Mary endeavours to build bridges with her sister while Edith’s secret continues to pose a threat, despite having nothing left to lose. As Henry settles into the role of husband and stepfather, finding his place at Downton proves more difficult. Below stairs, Carson faces some personal challenges, which prove that even he is not invulnerable to change.”

ITV has hinted that the last ever episode “offers all the love and loss, happiness and heartbreak of Downton Abbey“, as the family and servants celebrate an unforgettable New Year’s Eve together at the great house as they prepare to welcome 1926.

Part of the special was filmed at Alnwick Castle, Northumberland – which doubled as the location for Brancaster, home of Bertie Pelham – while dining scenes were shot at the Iconic Ritz in central London.

Downton Abbey is now shown in over 250 territories worldwide and is the most nominated British show in Emmy history with 59 nominations to date, collecting 12 wins including Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries or a Movie, Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries or a Movie and Outstanding Miniseries or a Movie.

What do you want to see in the last ever episode? Let us know below…