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ITV has released a new clip from series four of Downton Abbey.
The hit period drama's series opener will deal with the aftermath of Matthew Crawley's (Dan Stevens) untimely demise.
In the new clip, new mother Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) is still struggling to come to terms with her loss.
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes recently defended the decision to have Mary courted by new suitors following the loss of her husband.
"The only reason she wouldn't be eventually courted successfully would be if she was determined to remain alone and I just don't think that's who she is," said Fellowes.
"I think she's one of those people who find it quite difficult to be generally genial and those people need a partner, because otherwise there's no-one they're ever completely relaxed with."
Downton Abbey returns to ITV on Sunday, September 22 at 9pm.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s183/...lip-watch.html
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29th September 2013
Episode two:
Emerging from her grief, Mary starts to take an interest in the running of the estate, but is met with resistance from Robert.
As Molesley’s fortunes worsen, Bates hatches a plan to help him.
Out for a bit of fun, Rose gets into a sticky situation at a tea dance in York.
Mrs Hughes urges Carson to let an old wound heal.
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29th September 2013
Episode two:
Emerging from her grief, Mary starts to take an interest in the running of the estate, but is met with resistance from Robert.
As Molesley’s fortunes worsen, Bates hatches a plan to help him.
Out for a bit of fun, Rose gets into a sticky situation at a tea dance in York.
Mrs Hughes urges Carson to let an old wound heal.
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6th October
An extravagant house party at the Abbey gives the Crawleys a chance to reconnect with old friends. Some guests, however, prove more welcome than others and along with the celebrations come skulduggery and heartache.
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Episode 4 - 13th October
Amid the fallout of the eventful house party a trip to the bright lights of London is planned. Here Sir John Bullock shows his true colours and Rose finds gallantry comes from an unexpected quarter.
Gregson shares ambitious plans with Edith, taking their relationship to another level.
Back at the Abbey Mary faces a pressing question about her future, Isobel accepts an offer from Dr Clarkson which rekindles her social conscience, and the manipulative Edna finds herself outmanoeuvred.
Below stairs Carson reveals surprisingly intimate details of his former life, and Daisy's clumsy attempt to get closer to Alfred may push him further away.
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Episode 4 - 13th October
Amid the fallout of the eventful house party a trip to the bright lights of London is planned. Here Sir John Bullock shows his true colours and Rose finds gallantry comes from an unexpected quarter.
Gregson shares ambitious plans with Edith, taking their relationship to another level.
Back at the Abbey Mary faces a pressing question about her future, Isobel accepts an offer from Dr Clarkson which rekindles her social conscience, and the manipulative Edna finds herself outmanoeuvred.
Below stairs Carson reveals surprisingly intimate details of his former life, and Daisy's clumsy attempt to get closer to Alfred may push him further away.
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A major twist is expected to take place in this weekend's Downton Abbey, following ITV's decision to withhold preview copies of the show's latest episode from the press.
Producers made the same decision not to preview episodes in series three when Lady Sybil was killed off and when Matthew Crawley exited in the Christmas special.
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Nigel Harman as Green and Charles Edwards as Gregson in 'Downton Abbey' episode 3
© ITV
Nigel Harman arrives in Downton
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Andrew Alexander as Sir John Bullock in 'Downton Abbey' episode 3
© ITV
Andrew Alexander joins the Downton cast
The opening two episodes of series four have featured both upstairs and downstairs at Downton slowly recovering from the loss of Matthew Crawley.
However, speculation is rife online that another major character might have been killed off by Julian Fellowes in a new twist for the hugely popular ITV drama series.
Further speculation about a possible dramatic twist in this week's episode has been sparked by the arrival of Nigel Harman's character Green.
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Kiri Te Kanawa as Dame Nellie in 'Downton Abbey' episode 3
© ITV
Kiri Te Kanawa cameos in 'Downton'
Harman has claimed that his valet character has "no redeeming qualities" and said previously that he will "stir things up" in the period drama.
Fans suspect that Green will be involved in some fresh troubles for Bates and Anna, who actors Joanne Froggatt and Brendan Coyle have promised will face some serious troubles during the series.
Other arrivals in the latest episode include a new possible suitor for Lady Mary, Tom Cullen's Lord Gillingham, Andrew Alexander's Sir John Bullock and Kiri Te Kanawa as Dame Nellie Melba.
Meanwhile, another new character, Patrick Kennedy's Mr Sampson, is billed by ITV as "a slightly mysterious acquaintance from Robert's gentleman's club".
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Tom Cullen as Lord Gillingham in 'Downton Abbey' episode 3
© ITV
Tom Cullen in 'Downton'
The latest episode will centre around an extravagant house party at the Abbey, held to raise spirits and cheer up Lady Mary.
Downton Abbey continues on Sunday nights at 9pm on Sunday.
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20th October
Change is in the air as an exciting opportunity for Alfred creates tension between Ivy and Daisy.
Isobel appeals to Violet’s sense of charity, but it doesn’t come without a fight, and Branson considers a whole new future for himself and baby Sybbie.
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A preview video from the next episode of Downton Abbey has been released online.
Isobel Crawley (Penelope Wilton) is seen discussing Lady Mary with Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith) in the clip.
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Isobel mentions how difficult it was to see Lady Mary at a concert laughing with another man after the recent death of her son Matthew.
She also discusses that she feels bad for having such feelings.
Downton Abbey will be shown on Sunday, October 13 at 9pm on ITV.
