‘Downton Abbey’: Richard E. Grant & More Join Season 5

As “Downton Abbey” continues its fourth season on Sunday nights on PBS’ Masterpiece, the show is looking ahead to Season 5, with several celebs set to join the cast.

Richard E. Grant (of “Gosford Park,” and most recently HBO’s “Girls”) will play Simon Bricker, a man who is set to visit Downton as a guest of the Granthams in Season 5, Carnival Films and Masterpiece announced on Friday.

Anna Chancellor (who currently appears as the inspiration for Miss Moneypenny in BBC America’s “Fleming”) will join in a guest role as Lady Anstruther.

Rade Sherbedgia (from “Eyes Wide Shut” and “24”) will play a Russian refugee.

“We are delighted to welcome these talented actors to the world of ‘Downton,’” Executive Producer Gareth Neame, said in a release about the newcomers. “The characters they play are set to bring yet more excitement and intrigue to the show.”

WATCH: Laura Carmichael Hints At What’s Ahead When Paul Giamatti Comes To ‘Downton’ Season 4

Beyond the new additions, it looks like Lady Rose’s antics in Season 4 may not have gone unnoticed by her folks, as Peter Egan is returning to the show in Season 5 as Lord Flintshire. Additionally, Dame Harriet Walter will return as Lady Shackleton, who the Dowager Countess famously tried to pass Mr. Moseley on to for employment (rather unsuccessfully).

On Friday, Carnival Films and Masterpiece confirmed the return of Dame Maggie Smith as well as Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter, Penelope Wilton, Phyllis Logan, Samantha Bond, Laura Carmichael, Lily James, Allen Leech, Brendan Coyle, Joanne Froggatt, Lesley Nicol, Sophie McShera, Rob James-Collier, Ed Speleers, Kevin Doyle, Raquel Cassidy, David Robb, Tom Cullen, Julian Ovenden, Daisy Lewis, Douglas Reith, Jeremy Swift and Andrew Scarborough.

“Downton Abbey” Season 4 airs Sunday nights on Masterpiece.

Jolie Lash

Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read More

Oprah Winfrey To Host TV Special On Ozempic & Weight-Loss Drugs: 'Personal Topic For Me'