Since its start in 2010, the British-American period drama "Downton Abbey" has continued to build a strong following on a worldwide scale, which is a testament to its critical acclaim.

While a majority of the same cast will be officially returning for the fourth season, it was reported that one of them may not be continuing much further.

Although production of the show's upcoming installment is scheduled to kick off in February 2013, a close source told the The Sunday Express that actor Dan Stevens (Matthew Crawley) won't even be finishing out the 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.

Budget concerns are said to be the primary reason that Stevens will more than likely depart from "Downton Abbey."

"The American network NBC, which owns the production company which makes the show, basically bankrolled the first series. There was talk it didn't want to put in so much money this time. Even with all this there are still plans to do five series," the source continued.

Taking into account the series' large ensemble cast, it's only feasible that some monetary constraints had to be placed in order for the show to ensure five seasons. However, the ITV network has yet to confirm whether a Stevens exit is a definite.

"Downton Abbey" takes place in the fictional Yorkshire country and chronicles the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family during the post-Edwardian era. The story revolves around historic events that took place during that respective time period.

Next up for the series will be its two-hour Christmas special, which originally was filmed in August. The featured piece is set to air in the U.K. on Christmas Day. It's rumored that the special's storyline may not have a holiday theme.

The show's third season is set to premiere in the U.S. on the PBS network on Jan. 6.

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Downton abbey, Television, Celebrities