What's in the Mix For 'Downton Abbey,' Season Four?

While American audiences won’t be able to watch season four of “Downton Abbey” until winter of 2014, the show has already begun filming across the pong... and here’s a few things we know we can look forward to once it finally makes its way over.

Obviously the heart-rending season finale left Mary a new mother, but also a new widow. Season four will pick up about six months after the last episode, and at some point, Mary will have to begin looking for a new love interest.

Welsh actor Tom Cullen has been cast in the part as Lord Gillingham, an “old family friend” of the Crawleys, who has known Mary since they were children... very likely the dashing man to catch poor Mary's eye.

Also serving as potential sexual tension is “Smash” star Julian Ovenden, who will play the “dashing” aristocrat, Charles Blake.

The main criteria for Mary’s new man was that he be “posh—and pretty.” Both men certainly fit the bill.

Downstairs will be making additions as well, even as Sarah O’Brien (Siobhan Finneran) leaves the show. A valet, Green, played by Nigel Harman, will be making appearances, though he is described as "visiting."

Joining the cast as well will be Dame Harriet Walters as a friend of Lady Violet (Maggie Smith), Joanne David as the Duchess of Yoevil, and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, the opera star, as a singing house guest.

Shirley MacLaine will be back as Cora’s mother, which is good news for all, because the delightful snippy back-and-worth between MacLaine and Maggie Smith are part of the reason we love "Downton" so much!

Rumor also has it that, as “Downton” moves into the 1920’s, race issues will begin to enter the story. Casting calls are currently out for Jack Ross, a black and exceptionally handsome jazz singer… does anyone else smell a love interest for the impetuous Rose?

No word yet on anything for Edith, but let's hope the poor girl gets a break this season.