“Downton Abbey” Casts Gary Carr as Show's First Recurring Black Character

"Downton Abbey" is jazzing things up a bit.

It was announced on Wednesday that the popular series has cast Gary Carr to play a jazz singer during its fourth season, making it the first time a recurring black character has appeared on the show.

ITV, the U.K. network that broadcasts "Downton Abbey," described the character, Jack Ross, as "a charming and charismatic young man" on its website.

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"We are delighted to introduce another fantastic, dynamic character to 'Downton Abbey,'" executive producer Gareth Neame said in a statement. "His addition will bring interesting twists to the drama which we can't wait for viewers to see in Series four."

In addition to an eight-part fourth series, there will also be a feature length episode airing at Christmas in the U.K.

Carr has been previously seen on the BBC's Bluestone 42 and Death in Paradise.

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