'Downton Abbey' Season 4, Dan Stevens: The Future Of Matthew Crawley, Details
Recent buzz circulated in regards to Dan Stevens' future on the hit show "Downton Abbey" is reportedly true.
It was suggested that the actor could be making a departure from the popular PBS series and unfortunately, to the disarray of many, there appears to be truth behind the chatter. Stevens, who currently plays the part of Matthew Crawley on the show, is reportedly set to leave "Downton" at the beginning of 2013.
The original rumor stated that he would be coming on for the season four premiere. Although production of the show's upcoming installment is set to launch in February 2013, a close source told the The Sunday Express Stevens would not even be finishing out the upcoming fourth season.
"Dan Stevens isn't returning to the series. He will probably do the first episode of the fourth series, but that will be it," stated the source.
However, just because Stevens will be making his exit from the program doesn't guarantee that the Matthew Crawley role will be written off the series.
TV Line previously reported that a considerable amount of the show's cast made the decision in March to not sign on for seasons four and five.
"Downton Abbey" creator Julian Fellowes, who previously denied the rumors, made a suggestion that Stevens' commitments to the Broadway stage could have something to do with him leaving.
"A lot of stuff started up because he's going to be on Broadway, but it's a limited run. But everyone pounced on that," he said.
Next up for the series will be its two-hour Christmas special, which was filmed in August. The featured piece is set to air in the United Kingdom on Christmas Day. It's rumored that the special's storyline may not have a holiday theme.
The show's third season will be debuting in the U.S. on the PBS network on Jan. 6.
