‘Downton Abbey’ season 4 spoilers: New Michelle Dockery love interest speaks out!

You may not be altogether familiar with the name “Tom Cullen” just yet, but we imagine that you will be by the time that “Downton Abbey” season 4 wraps up on ITV this fall (or early next year, if you’re watching on PBS). The actor landed the much-coveted role of Lord Anthony Gillingham on the series, and while he may not start to romance Michelle Dockery’s Lady Mary early on in the season (given her extensive post-Matthew mourning period), it is expected to happen eventually.

So what does Cullen himself have to say about playing this part? While he is rather thrilled to be getting what you could refer to as a “big break” thanks to this part, it also sounds like his grandmother is just as excited, if not more so than he is. For more, just check out what the actor had to say in a new chat with Metro on the matter:

“My friends and family are so excited. My grandma was absolutely over the moon, it’s her favourite show. That was really nice to be able to tell her I was in it.”

Now, Cullen just better hope that he is a likable character, since otherwise his grandma could hand down a sort of Dowager Countess-style tongue-lashing on him for not being particularly kind to some of the other residents of the Abbey. Then again, we imagine that he must be at least partially likable, given that no one wants to see sad, down-trodden Mary end up with a guy that has “jerk” stamped across his forehead.

There is still no premiere date announced for “Downton Abbey” season 4, but once it does become clear to us, we will let you know here!

Are you thrilled to see what Cullen brings to this role? As always, we want to hear some of your thoughts below! Meanwhile, click here if you want to read some more news via Gary Carr, the show’s first-ever black actor in a major role.

Photo: ITV