DOWNTON ABBEY Christmas Special Trailer With Shirley MacLaine, Paul Giamatti & More

The eagerly anticipated annual Downton Abbey Christmas special is nearly upon us at long last and the first trailer for the spectacular new entry in the hit period series is now available to view, featuring familiar faces as well as more than merely a few new surprises.

Stage and screen icon Shirley MacLaine returns as Martha Levinson and fellow stalwart Broadway and Hollywood headliner Paul Giamatti joins the cast in the extended ep as her son, Harold - brother of Cora (Elizabeth McGovern).

Additionally, theatre notable Julian Ovenden is set to return as businessman and romancer Charles Blake, as well, as can be briefly glimpsed in the trailer and in new still photos just released.

The official episode description reads as follows: "The family and servants are at Grantham House, their London residence, preparing for the busy social program. Not one to miss such a grand occasion, Cora's mother, Martha Levinson makes the journey from New York with her playboy son Harold, fresh from his recent brush with the law. Both outspoken and larger-than-life, they make quite an impression amongst certain members of London's high society, in particular with Lord Aysgarth, played by James Fox. Isobel finds herself with an admirer while Edith is wrestling with a moral dilemma. Downstairs, Daisy gets an unexpected invitation and Carson treats the staff to a special day out."

DOWNTON ABBEY Christmas 2013 airs on Christmas Day on ITV in the UK.

More information on Downton Abbey is available at the official UK site here.

View the new trailer for Christmas 2013 on Downton Abbey featuring MacLaine and Giamatti below.