ITV has announced that Sue Johnston is joining the cast of Downton Abbey‘s new series in a guest role.

Best known for her roles in Waking the Dead, The Royle Family and Coronation Street, the actress will play Denker, Lady’s Maid to Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham.

Other guest stars confirmed for Series 5 include Richard E. Grant, Anna Chancellor and Rade Sherbedgia, Dame Harriet Walter and Peter Egan.

Series 5 was announced by ITV last November and is currently filming. Eight episodes will air this autumn, followed by a feature-length special at Christmas.

> Buy the complete Series 1-4 boxset on Amazon.

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