The return of ‘Downton Abbey’

ITV has officially announced the return airdate for series three of period drama ‘Downton Abbey.’

The new series will air Sunday 16 September at 9pm on ITV1.

A host of new stars are set to join the cast of the Julian Fellowes penned drama including: ‘Eragon’ actor Ed Speleers, Shirley MacLaine, ‘War Horse’ actor Matt Milne, Cara Theobald, Lucille Sharp, ‘White Heat’ star MyAnna Buring and ‘Bad Girls’ actress Simone Lahbib.

Dan Stevens, Brendan Coyle, Joanne Froggatt, Hugh Bonneville, Rob James-Collier and Maggie Smith are amongst the cast members returning for the third series.