Downton Abbey Will Get It’s First Black Character Ever

Death In Paradise actor Gary Carr will be joining the cast for the fourth series, as jazz singer Jack Ross.

The 26-year-old actor will take on the role of the 'charming and charismatic' musician when the series returns to screens this autumn.

 Former success: Gary (far right) as Fidel Best in Death in Paradise alongside Ben Miller as DI Richard Poole and Sara Martin as Camille Bordey

 Carnival Films’ Managing Director, Gareth Neame said of the casting: 'We are delighted to introduce another fantastic, dynamic character to Downton Abbey.

'His addition will bring interesting twists to the drama which we can’t wait for viewers to see in Series 4.'

Asked if he would like to make Downton more multi-cultural, Fellowes said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph: 'Oh I think that’s rather a good idea. 

Gary's addition to the cast comes after Downton creator Julian Fellowes admitted he was keen to 'open the show up ethnically'.

'You have to work it in in a way that is historically believable, but I am sure we could do that.'

Gary is just one of several new castmembers joining the Downton for the fourth series, with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Julian Ovenden, Nigel Harman, Joanna David and Dame Harriet Walter all signing up for the show.