Tom Ellis to join Downton Abbey? (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Tom Ellis to join Downton Abbey?

10:47am Tuesday 19th February 2013 in National Entertainment News © Press Association 2013

Tom Ellis is in talks to appear in Downton Abbey, according to reports.

The Miranda heartthrob has apparently been shortlisted for a role after he auditioned to play the love interest of Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery) in the ITV period drama, the Daily Mirror said.

The father-of-three, who is married to former EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite, is tipped to be a major character in season four following the death of Lady Mary's husband Matthew (Dan Stevens) in a car crash at the end of the last series.

An ITV source told the newspaper: "Tom has always been popular but he has really become hot property since his role as Gary in Miranda. He really showed his versatility and he's also incredibly popular with the female viewers. It was an absolute no-brainer to get him in for an audition.

"We know that Tom's got a lot of other options at the moment but if he does get the role it will be an incredible opportunity for him," they added.

The Welsh actor, who plays Miranda's dream man Gary Preston in the BBC sitcom, has previously starred in EastEnders, The Catherine Tate Show and Merlin.