A sign of the changing times during the period in which Downton Abbey is set: Series 4 will welcome the show’s first lead black character.

Downton Abbey series 4 has cast Gary Carr, ITV announced today. He will play “a jazz singer called Jack Ross, a charming and charismatic young man.” The show’s production company describes him as a “fantastic, dynamic” character. “His addition will bring interesting twists to the drama which we can’t wait for viewers to see in Series four”.

The announcement notes several other actors and actresses joining the fourth installment of the popular Edwardian drama: Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Tom Cullen, Julian Ovenden, Nigel Harman, Joanna David and Dame Harriet Walter.

Downton Abbey series 4 has been filming over the past couple of months and is expected to premiere on ITV this Fall or Winter.

Series 3 saw the inhabitants of Downton struggling with the changes times, including homosexual romance and different people in control of the estate. By the end of the series, those troubles were resolved. We wonder if we’ll see a similar arc with Carr’s black character.

As with series’ past, Downton Abbey series 4 will have eight episodes plus one Christmas special. The series 3 finale ended on a very somber note, so here’s hoping this year’s won’t be as depressing.

Yesterday, we told you about an official Downton Abbey clothing line in the works in addition to homeware, furniture, stationary, and wallpaper.