Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Downton Abbey Christmas special 2013: New pictures released

Rose is presented to the King while Edith struggles with her moral dilemma

Daisy Wyatt
Monday 09 December 2013 09:40 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

It may be cold and wintry outside, but it’s summer time in Downton Abbey this Christmas.

The drama returns to ITV on Christmas day for a two hour special which sees the Crawleys relocated to their London residence at the height of the social season.

While Edith struggles to decide whether to keep her baby or not, things are right as rain for Rose, who is presented at Buckingham Palace to the King as part of her ‘coming out’.

Keen not to miss the social season, Lady Cora’s mother Martha Levinson makes the journey from New York to London, accompanied by her errant son Harold, fresh from his recent brush with the law.

Lady Mary may have attracted two admirers last season, but this Christmas even grouchy Isobel Crawley could have a smile on her face after she finds an admirer.

Bates’ questionable crime remains a mystery, but instead the Crawleys become implicated in a scandal that poses a threat to the monarchy.

Lady Cora's mother and brother in the Downton Christmas special
Lady Cora's mother and brother in the Downton Christmas special

Below stairs, Daisy is treated to an unexpected visitor and Carson treats the staff to a fun day out.

Downton favourites Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael and Elizabeth McGovern return for the Christmas special.

The actors are joined by American stars Shirley Maclaine, who returns to play Lady Cora’s mother, and Sideways actor Paul Giamatti.

Downton Abbey returns to ITV1 at 8.30pm on 25 December.

Rose presents herself to the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace
Rose presents herself to the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace

Video: Downton Abbey star Allen Leech on the craft of acting

By default player size is set to 420 x 315px. But you can resize player width and height once you get the player code using player params.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in