Will Lady Mary repair her relationship with her sister?

ITV and Carnival Films has announced cast and plot details of Downton Abbey‘s final episode this Christmas.

Downton’s swansong episode, written by Julian Fellowes, will feature a guest appearance from Patricia Hodge (Miranda) who will play Bertie Pelham’s mother. Lily James (Cinderella) and Matt Barber (Being Human) will also be reprising their roles as Lady Rose and Atticus Aldridge, alongside Lady Rose’s father, Shrimpie played by Peter Egan (Unforgotten).

After ruining Edith’s (Laura Carmichael) chance of happiness in the series six finale, Mary (Michelle Dockery) endeavours to build bridges with her sister while Edith’s secret continues to pose a threat, despite having nothing left to lose.

Meanwhile, as Henry (Matthew Goode) settles into the role of husband and stepfather, finding his place at Downton proves more difficult. Below stairs, Carson (Jim Carter) faces some personal challenges, which prove that even he is not invulnerable to change.

The award and ratings-winning drama will see the family and servants prepare to welcome 1926, as they celebrate an unforgettable New Year’s Eve together at the great house.

Scenes were filmed at Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, which doubled as the location for Brancaster, home of Bertie Pelham, the new Marquess of Hexham. Dining scenes were also filmed at the Iconic Ritz in central London.

Downton Abbey is a Carnival/MASTERPIECE Co-Production and will air on Christmas Day on ITV.