Downton Abbey - Series 3 First Look

Okay, so we're another two and a half months (maybe more, maybe less) until we get the third series of ITV's smash hit, Downton Abbey, so here's a look at some of the filming that's been going on for the last few months. It goes without saying of course, but there are spoilers ahead.

This week, a small snippet was released of Shirley MacLaine's character, Martha Levinson coming face to face with the formiddable, Violet, Countess of Dowager (Maggie Smith) and it definitely looks like we're going to have something of an amusing rivalry with those two and I suppose we were overdue meeting someone from Cora's side of the family too. I've also heard rumours that we will be meeting one of the Crawley sisters younger cousin as well, Lady Rose played by Lily James towards the end of the third series. I'm also hoping that after last year's success that we're getting a 2012 Christmas special as well.

And here's a picture of Matthew (Dan Stevens) and Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery) in a car together. The Christmas special finally saw their characters getting together and the third series should see them being one of two couples who actually tie the knot as well. What are the odds that we'll get a baby plot with them towards the end of the third series, if not halfway through? Meanwhile, Anna (Joanna Froggatt) will also be focusing her energies on trying to clear her husband, Mr Bates (Brendan Coyle) name as well.

Speaking of weddings, it also seems to appear that Edith (Laura Carmichael) may be part of the second couple to get married as filming pictures of her and Anthony Strallan (Robert Bathurst) tying the knot also materialized earlier this year as well. I'm glad that Edith gets to be happy as well but it does seem odd then that Sybil (Jessica Brown-Findlay) and Branson's (Allen Leech) wedding was the only one done off-screen. Hopefully, Sybil's pregnancy will not go the same way in that regard.

Another thing we can expect in the upcoming third series is a spate of new characters as well. Edward Speleers will play footman named Jimmy with Matt Milne playing another one named Alfred while actresses Cara Theobald and Lucille Sharp will play kitchen maid Ivy and Lady's maid, Miss Reid. Also, with a couple starting a family and a major death planned within the third series, it looks like we're all going to be glued to ITV on Sundays once again by September, aren't we?

Series 3 Sneak Peek: http://www.spoilertv.com/2012/06/downton-abbey-season-3-sneak-peek.html

Downton Abbey Season 3 will air on ITV  later in the year.