Howard Ward

We return to Downton Abbey in 1925, and secrets and rifts threaten the unity of the family, while those below stairs navigate social changes which put their futures in jeopardy. Mary’s past catches up with her when an unwelcome visitor delivers an ultimatum, and news about the running of Downton Hospital puts Violet on the warpath. Friends of the Crawleys, the Darnleys, have been forced to sell their ancestral home, and Daisy’s good intentions at the Mallerton House auction have disastrous consequences. With friends in debt and fashions changing, Robert is feeling the pressure to make staff cutbacks at Downton. Carson is concerned that Mrs Hughes is having second thoughts about their impending matrimony, and judgement day finally arrives for Anna and Bates.

With the house recovering from the night’s dramatic events, Robert is faced with a very difficult decision. As Daisy continues to struggle with her studies, Mrs. Patmore has an idea which might solve everything. Thomas has it in for Baxter; will his meddling ruin her friendship with Molesley? As Rose tries to convince Robert of the virtues of a wireless at Downton, Lord Merton continues his hot pursuit of Isobel and when Mary puts her reputation on the line, Anna is made a reluctant accomplice.

Preparations for Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes’ wedding are underway, but a misunderstanding threatens the peace. Edith reconnects with an old acquaintance, who comes to her aid in an hour of need. Spratt has something to hide but Denker is hot on the trail, and Daisy jumps to conclusions about a plan of Cora’s. Tensions mount over the hospital takeover, leading Isobel to offend a friend. The wedding day brings a surprise, with the arrival of some unexpected guests.

Mary’s secret assignation is very nearly blown, but Violet’s quick thinking saves the day. Robert is left red faced and furious when things don’t go as planned. The events surrounding Green’s death are once again under scrutiny, while Mrs Patmore is devastated when old wounds are reopened but Carson is unsympathetic. Branson receives an interesting proposition concerning the future of the Downton estate, while a figure from Violet’s distant past suggests she has buried secrets of her own.

As Tom and Sybbie settle back into life at Downton, the family and servants are surprised with the return of another old friend in unexpected circumstances. A visit from Sergeant Willis leaves Baxter with a dilemma, and Thomas struggles to fill Mr Carson’s shoes. A crisis takes Anna and Mary to London; will Bates find out what Anna has been keeping from him? Daisy has a bone to pick with Cora, and Mary’s eye is caught by an admirer.