The British-American television drama "Downton Abbey" will reportedly get a new love interest added to its cast for the fourth season.

Lady Mary will be involved in a new romantic relationship as she's set to take on a new male suitor, according to TV Line. The program is said to currently be on the lookout for a good-looking actor in his 30s to don the role of Lord Anthony Gillingham.

Dan Stevens, who played the part of her beau Matthew Crawley, made his exit from the show at the end of season 3. "Downton Abbey's" Executive Producer Gareth Neame said that the character's departure was a blessing in disguise.

"In any relationship drama, the will-they-or-won't-they is always more interesting than married couples. So actually what we've been able to do is reset [Lady Mary]," he said. "She has to start again and that will be much more interesting."

Many of the show's United Kingdom fans had been wondering whether another actor would be cast to replace the Matthew character. The show's creator Julian Fellowes answered the question in the following way to The Telegraph:

"I don't think it's ever going to be right to recast a different actor for the same character in Downton. You can do it with something like Sherlock Holmes and Watson, as they are very established and iconic, and many people have played them, so you have a kind of freedom. But, in a series like Downton, it wouldn't be right."

Taking place in the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey, the series chronicles the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family after the Edwardian era and centers on historic events during that respective time period.

"Downton Abbey" is currently airing its third season in the U.S. every Sunday on PBS at 9 p.m. EST. The air date for season four in the U.K. or U.S. has yet to be announced.

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Downton abbey, Television