ITV have released the first look at George Clooney’s Downton Abbey appearance for an upcoming charity special.
Though Clooney won’t be appearing in the Christmas special on December 25, we will be catching a glimpse of him at our favorite stately home — during the Text Santa charity event on ITV. Few details have been spared regarding the role he’ll be playing, other than he filmed his scenes earlier this year at Highclere Castle, but Laura Charmichael (Lady Edith) let slip that it may involve an attempted smooch with the Dowager Countess. Ooh-err.
The clip itself has a very Christmas-y feel to it, as “Let it Snow” plays in the background. Framed cleverly to have us assume that Lady Grantham is approaching her husband, Robert, the man eventually turns to reveal none other than Clooney himself.
Check it out below:
The scene is due to air in full on December 19, though an exact time has yet to be given — the Text Santa event is slated to run for three hours, starting at 8 p.m. We’re eagerly awaiting it, and have to wonder exactly how Clooney will fit in with the Downton crowd. Perhaps a visiting relative or friend of Cora’s family in America?
As for the Christmas special itself, it is slated to air during the 9 p.m GMT time-slot on December 25. Better make sure the festivities are wrapped up by then, as the two-hour episode is likely to be an emotional roller coaster. You might want to keep some wine handy.