First black character for Downton? (From Lancashire Telegraph)

First black character for Downton?

2:57pm Tuesday 26th February 2013 in Showbiz © Press Association 2013

Downton Abbey is apparently set to have its first black character as part of a storyline about race relations.

Producers of the ITV period drama are looking for an actor to play 1920s musician Jack Ross in series four, the Sun reported.

According to the newspaper, casting notes were sent out earlier this month describing Jack as "Male, 25-30. A musician (singer) at an exclusive club in the 20s. He's black and very handsome. A real man (not a boy) with charm and charisma."

The notes add that the "very attractive" character will have "a certain wow factor".

Other new characters are said to include Lord Anthony Gillingham, a new love interest for recently widowed Lady Mary Crawley, and party-loving Sir John Bullock.

Filming on the new series is due to begin next month.