Even though "Downton Abbey" season 5 is still six months away, things are not kept hush-hush for fans. The cast themselves gave juicy tidbits and answers for season 5 in the TCA Summer Press Tour and E! Online was there to gather every detail.
What do we all know about season 5? First, the cast confirmed that the new season will pick up six months after the last season's finale. The year would be around 1924.
Next, there will be a couple of new characters in season 5. One of them is Lady Anstruther, played by Anna Chancellor. She is described to be a trouble maker who is looking for something. Sadly, with new characters, we say goodbye to old ones. In season 5, Paul Giamatti and Shirley MacLaine will no longer be part of the show.
Then there's the new version of Mary after she mourned the death of Matthew. Mary is now ready to face the world again. Michelle Dockery described her character as "quite impulsive." She adds, "She's embracing her new life, really... She's got a bit of her bite back."
Next, Anna's rape incident will still be dealt with in season 5. Further, the new season will show how Anna's relationship with Mr. Bates will be affected. Joanna Froggatt shared, "I think that starting season five, you see her obviously changed by what happened to her. There's a lot of pressure for her and Bates. They're both keeping secrets from each other."
Meanwhile, someone asked about who will Bates murder this season, Gareth Neame jokingly answered, "All bets are off."
Last but not least, will there be new romances in the next season too? Are they referring to Tom and Mary? Not really, but the two will develop a deeper friendship. As for Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson, there's hope that their romantic chemistry will blossom in season 5. "It would be a lovely story," Allen Leech said.
"Downton Abbey" Season 5 will premiere on PBS on Jan. 4.
