It looks like the Dowager on Downton Abbey is going to find herself caught in a little rut when the series returns.

Is Mrs. Patmore Going To Be More Domineering On 'Downton Abbey?'

On Tuesday, Mirror found out that the Dowager played by Maggie Smith will be in a love triangle with a Russian prince and his estranged wife in the Christmas special. When the Countess of Grantham saw Prince Kuragin, they had themselves a sparkling romance when they were younger. His wife had gone missing after he fled to England and now she's been tracked down.

"Kuragin isn't best pleased to see his wife back on the scene," a source told Daily Star. "He only has eyes for Violet."

Is Cora Crawley Going To Become More Sexually Confident In Future Episodes?

While specific details remained coy, it sounds like whatever happens will need some serious preparing.

"It's very emotional," the source said. "Get a hanky ready."

Based on another report from Mirror, the future episodes will definitely be worth a watch since actress Raquel Cassidy (Phyllis Baxter) revealed what it's like to work with Smith.

"Maggie is a force to be reckoned with," Cassidy said. "She is a genuine grand dame of the industry and doesn't suffer fools gladly. She can't stand people who approach her all nervous and intimidated- that immediately gets her back up."

The actress added, "She wants you to operate on her level or not at all. Then again, if you're like that she probably won't even notice you."

Downton Abbey Season 5 premieres the United States on Sunday, January 4 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS.

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Downtown Abbey, Television, PBS