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With leading characters dropping like flies, Downton Abbey is certainly in need of fresh talent.
And after the arrival of Hollywood legend Shirley MacLaine to period drama, another critically-acclaimed actor has followed as Paul Giamatti joins the cast as an American playboy and relative of the Crawleys.
But Paul isn't the only new arrival, with British actors Daisy Lewis and James Fox getting a warm welcome from Shirley, 79, as they filmed an outdoor picnic scene for the Christmas special.
Back to work: Hollywood legend Shirley MacLaine returns to Downton Abbey to film scenes for Christmas special
Fresh meat: Paul Giammati joins the cast with young British actress Daisy Lewis
Paul, 46, breaks type as Harold, the 'maverick playboy' son of Martha (MacLaine) and brother to Cora played by Elizabeth McGovern.
The Oscar nominated actor has a wealth of screen experience from low budget indie Sideways to high budget blockbusters like The Amazing Spiderman 2.
Gareth Neame, managing director of Carnival Films - who co-produce the ITV/PBS series said: 'We're excited that Paul Giamatti will be joining us on Downton to play Cora's brother Harold, the rather free-spirited uncle to Mary and Edith.'
Expanding cast: James Fox is another new star of the ITV period drama, as Sir John Bullock
High society: Shirley pops on a feathered cap as her character hosts a society picnic
Handful: Paul Giamatti plays Shirley's playboy son on the show
In the family: James Fox is the father of Billie Piper's husband and actor Laurence
'We can't wait to see him work alongside Shirley MacLaine, who are both sure to upset the Grantham's apple cart in this year's finale.'
Another troublemaker to enter the Crawley world will be Daisy Lewis's conniving governess to baby Sybil, who sources say, will attempt to begin an affair with the her widowed father Tom Branson.
Daisy, has had one-episode roles in various TV shows over the years including Doctor Who, Borgia and Lewis, but made a silver screen appearance in the British remake of Nicholas Winding Refn's Pusher with Richard Coyle and Agyness Deyn.
Change of style: Paul usually plays bumbling characters, but as Harold, he becomes a bit of a maverick
Troublemaker: Daisy's character plays a scheming governess who is rumoured to strike up a relationship with widowed Tom Branson
TV buff: Daisy has starred in Doctor Who, Lewis and Borgia as well as indie film Pusher last year
As well as James Fox - father of Lewis actor Laurence Fox - Tom Cullen, Nigel Harman, Julien Ovenden and Joanna David will appear in series four of the award-winning series, as well as Gary Carr, who will shake up the storyline by being the first black character, jazz musician and singer Jack Ross, in the period drama.
This shake up the cast comes at a time when their is speculation over the continuation of the popular series, with many suggesting this might be the final series Julian Fellowes will pen.
But with the ratings success both in the UK and across the pond, following a record breaking ratings number in the U.S. for the series three finale, there is hope for one more, as cast members have suggested that 'five would be the limit.'
Modern times: Sophie McShera puts on some sunglasses that certainly wouldn't have been around in her character Daisy's time
Perambulator: Two extras push some old-fashioned buggies across a field
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Source : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2380283/Shirley-MacLaine-films-Paul-Giamatti-Daisy-Lewis-Downton-Abbey-Christmas-special.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
