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.

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.

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.

Preparations are underway for Rose’s big day, but family tensions on both sides threaten to derail proceedings. Edith’s arrangement with Marigold is happily working out, but how long can she and Cora conceal the truth from Robert? In London, Denker reveals an unexpected side to her personality, which causes trouble for more than one of the servants. With the war memorial due to be unveiled, Mrs Patmore is still upset but Robert has something up his sleeve. Meanwhile, Branson has come to a heart-wrenching decision and the storm clouds that have been gathering over Anna and Bates finally burst.

Neville Chamberlain, Minister of Health, dines at Downton Abbey as part of Violet’s latest scheme to quash plans for the takeover of Downton Hospital, but the evening proves to be distressing for all. Mrs Patmore, Daisy and Andy help Mr Mason to move into Yew Tree Farm and Andy finds an unexpected confidant in Thomas. Mary and Tom go to watch Henry Talbot test drive a new car, but Mary isn’t convinced she’s met her match. Edith has a date with Bertie Pelham in London, while Denker is in trouble with Violet and Spratt is forced to help her. Mrs Hughes is finding it difficult to please Mr Carson and Mary senses she’s been kept in the dark about a family secret.