'Downton Abbey' Casts Gary Carr in First Recurring Black Role

In an effort to “open the show up ethnically,” Gareth Neame, executive producer of “Downton Abbey,” has cast Gary Carr in the recurring role of a jazz singer Jack Ross for the fourth season of the British drama.

"We are delighted to introduce another fantastic, dynamic character to ‘Downton Abbey,'" said Neame in a statement.

"His addition will bring interesting twists to the drama which we can't wait for viewers to see in series four."

Will Carr’s addition help liven up a cast that has been accused in the past of lacking cultural diversity? Carr, who has previously appeared on “Bluestone 42” and “Death in Paradise,” will play Ross as “a charming and charismatic young man.”

He joins Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Tom Cullen, Julian Ovenden, Nigel Harman, Joanna David and Dame Harriet Walter as guest stars.

At 26, will Carr pose a possible love interest for the wild and club-loving Rose?

Shooting for season four is already underway. Given the fact that last season cost us some of our most beloved characters, Laura Carmichael, who plays Lady Edith on the show, says that “everyone is feeling a little blue” as they film.

Will the addition of new character brighten the mood at Downton, which has seen so much tragedy as of late? As the series moves into the 1920’s and introduces us to jazz music, champagne, and new dances (as well as great and daring fashion), there is certainly a potential to bring in some cheer alongside the drama.

Season four will consist of eight one-hour episodes, as well as a feature-length episode that will air at Christmas in the U.K.