Downton Abbey Christmas Special 2014 Spoilers, Cast: Guest Stars and Plot Revealed

By Mark Rollins
Christmas Special

Downton Abbey had certainly gained a huge following over its past 5 series, and there is a holiday or Christmas special on the way that could create quite a stir amongst its viewers.  The special will feature guest stars Alum Armstrong, Jane Lapotaire, and Matthew Goode, all veteran actors.   

According to The Telegraph, the Christmas special for Series 5 of the British period drama series will take place on Brancaster Castle in Northumberland.  The actual location is Alnwick Castle, which has been featured in the Harry Potter films.  It begins when Lord Sinderby (James Faulkner) rents the location for a "shooting party" for grouse shooting season. 

Stowell, a butler of the Sinderbys, will join the grouse-shooting party.  Stowell is a special guest star, and he is played by Alun Armstrong, who has been featured in the British comedy drama New Tricks, as well as the film Braveheart, playing the Scottish noble Mornay, the betrayer of William Wallace.  Stowell brings a "scandalous secret that threatens to undermine the holiday". 

Another special guest star will be Jane Lapotaire, a very accomplished actress.  Lapotaire will play Princess Irina, the wife of Prince Kuragin (Rade Sherbedgia) as well as the potential love rival to the Dowager countess (Maggie Smith). 

There is another guest star who, according to the Mirror, was spotted filming scenes for the Christmas special, actor Matthew Goode.  Goode is known for his work on CBS drama The Good Wife, as well as the superhero movie Watchmen where he played costumed crimefighter and plotter Ozymandias.  Goode plays the love interest for Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), who has been denying suitors over the past two series since the death of her husband.  Lady Mary has shunned a marriage proposal from Tony Gillingham (Tom Cullen), and Charles Blake (Julian Ovenden) has possibly given up trying for her affection. 

At Downton Abbey, the servants are taking care of the place with conflicts of their own.  For example, Anna (Joanne Froggatt) faces imprisonment for Mr. Green's murder, and Bates (Brendan Coyle) intends to do something quite drastic to clear Anna's name.  Also, Carson (Jim Carter) and Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan) are considering a business deal of some sort, and Baxter (Raquel Cassidy) and Molesley (Kevin Doyle) are also working on a plan of their own. 

Considering that the supposed main plot of the Downton Abbey Christmas special is about grouse-shooting, it seems like a set-up for an accidental death.  A past episode saw the death of Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), and it is not known if there are any sudden departures planned for the holidays this year. 

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories