(L-R) Actors Phyllis Logan, Michelle Dockery, Allen Leech, Amy Nuttall and Sophie McShera, winners of Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for 'Downton Abbey,' pose in the press room during the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on January 27, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
The early 20th century British period drama Downton Abbey is expected introduce its first African-American character this coming season.
The award-winning television show, from writer and creator Julian Fellowes, centers around the wealthy Crawley family.
According to The Sun, casting notes were sent to agents, seeking a black actor to play the role of musician Jack Ross.
The role as Ross was described as, “Male, 25-30. A musician (singer) at an exclusive club in the 20s. He’s black and very handsome. A real man (not a boy) with charm and charisma.”
In addition, the actor to play Ross “should be a very attractive man with a certain wow factor.”
Filming for the fourth season is set to start on March 23, with a fall 2013 premiere date in the UK and a winter 2014 premiere date in the U.S.
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