Gary Carr to' Jazz Up' DOWNTON ABBEY in Season Four

Downton Abbey is about to get a little jazzier next season. According to Deadline, Gary Carr has signed on to the ITV period drama as jazz singer Jack Ross, described as "a charming and charismatic young man."

Downton executive producer Gareth Neame revealed the news yesterday commenting that the casting would "bring interesting twists to the drama." Carr's appearance on the show will be the first time a black character has been involved in a storyline. He will join previously announced new season 4 cast members Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Tom Cullen, Julian Ovenden, Nigel Harman, Joanna David and Dame Harriet Walter.

The actor's previous TV credits include BBC's Bluestone 42 and Death In Paradise.

Filming on Downton's fourth season is currently under production and will air in the UK later this year.