Downton Abbey series 4, episode 3 will welcome at least two new characters for an arc, and the episode appears to be packed with various plot lines.

A lengthy synopsis released by ITV for the third episode in Downton Abbey‘s fourth series exhaustively reads:

An extravagant house party at the Abbey gives the Crawleys a chance to reconnect with old friends and culminates in a performance by opera singer Dame Nellie Melba.

Among the guests are the eligible Sir John Bullock, who soon attracts the attention of Lady Rose; Gregson, who is keen to win Robert’s approval if he is to make a future with Edith; and Mr Sampson, a slightly mysterious acquaintance from Robert’s gentleman’s club.

Some guests prove more welcome than others and along with the celebrations come skulduggery and heartache.

Below stairs, with preparations in full swing tensions run high, and Mrs Patmore begins to feel the strain.

Jimmy’s attempts to impress Ivy in front of love-rival Alfred don’t go to plan, and hapless Molesley is made an offer of employment he finds hard to refuse.

Meanwhile, in the elevated circles above Branson finds himself a fish out of water, but the consolation he is offered may come at a high price.

Rose’s attempts to liven up events inadvertently raise painful memories for Mary, and Gregson uses surprising hidden talents to save Robert from a fix and win his respect.

Photos from the episode depict the introduction of Lord Gillingham who will be a love interest to Lady Mary. His character is described as “dashing and charming and having had similar experiences with his own inheritance” so he gives Lady Mary “advice on the Downton estate and in particular the issue of death duties.”

Watch the trailer for this Sunday’s new episode which includes the aforementioned new character Dame Nellie Melba:

Downton Abbey’s rating this series have been excelling. The show had 9.6 million viewers for episode 2, which was a .1 increase over the premiere episode two Sundays ago.

Series 4, episode 3 premieres Sunday, October 6 at 9 p.m. local time in the United Kingdom on ITV.