Downton Abbey's executive producer Gareth Neame has announced that "a brilliant storyline"  awaits the Dowager Countess played by Maggie Smith in the fifth series. 

While he could not specify the plot's details and the actual scenes that will bring on new zest for the Dowager Countess, he promised that her role will be more relevant and exciting than usual. 

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Neame has also promised that season five will have a number of new guests along with its regular lineup of characters. The storyline was hinted to possibly having a new Crawley-household member or a new guest star.

Despite efforts to keep the actor in the show, Neames told Tvline's Andy Swift how helpful it was for Dan Stevens (Matthew Crawley) to have decided to leave Downton Abbey, leaving a new direction for the show to create and follow. 

With Lady Mary juggling a couple of suitors, such as Tony and Charles, in the last season, Neame pointed out how the fifth season will allow the audience to get hooked and learn what decision Mary will be making.

While the subject of the Dowager Countess's love life was overlooked, a teaser clip has already been released introducing Prince Kuragin, played by Rade Sherbedgia, and possibly linking the new character to the Countess' past. 

Neame said that the writers have deemed at least one other relationship at Downton to be more suitable, referring to the scene when Carson and Mrs. Hughes had held each other's hands at the end of season four. According to Neame, he compares the two characters to a husband-wife couple. 

He also emphasized Downton Abbey's views on love, romance, and companionship with Carson and Mrs. Hughes' bond being highlighted as one of the most desirable relationships in the show. Despite both of them remaining unmarried, Neame called their last scene a "lovely tease" before the previous season ended. 

PBS Chief Paula Kerger announced that Downton Abbey will be returning to the United States on January 4.

TagsMaggie Smith, Gareth Neame