It looks like repressed homosexual Thomas could find himself in a brand new love triangle as Downton Abbey kicks off this autumn.

The Press Association reports that the valet (played by Rob James-Collier) will fall for a new boy who joins the staff of Downton early in the series. James-Collier revealed that Thomas’ suppressed sexuality is aroused once again by footman Jimmy Kent (Ed Speelers).

“Thomas takes him under his wing and looks after him,” the actor said. “Knowing Thomas and knowing he has a preference for a certain type of person in life, I think Jimmy fits that bill perfectly, if you know what I mean.”

But Thomas isn’t the only downstairs staff-member with their eye on Kent, as a new scullery maid will also have him in her sights – she, in turn, will be courted by fellow newbie Matt Milne as Alfred. And that’s not all, recently widowed Daisy will feel unrequited love for Alfred. Phew. It certainly looks like series 3 won’t fall short on the romantic competition and scandal!

Jimmy Kent will very much be at the centre of Downton’s latest love pentagon, and newcomer Speelers spilled on his character:

“Jimmy is a very ambitious man. He’s vying for the position of first footman. He comes into it as a bit of a mystery man – no one really quite knows who he’s into. But as the series develops he gets himself into a couple of sticky situations. He actually realises that in order to succeed he’s got to keep in with Thomas, because Thomas is directly above him and a valet is what Jimmy aspires to be. He doesn’t know what the viewers know – and have known for the last two series.”

Downton Abbey returns to British screens in the autumn, with U.S. audiences having to wait until early next year.

Could this be the most complicated love story of the show so far?