Which Oscar-winning star is to join Downton Abbey?

The next series of Downton Abbey just got more exciting...

We have some exciting news Downton Abbey fans! The Oscar-winning actress Shirley Maclaine is to join the cast for the third series of the hit period drama.

The 77-year-old will play Lady Grantham's mother, Martha Levinson, and will begin filming with the rest of the Downton cast next month.

'It is so exciting to have an actress of Shirley MacLaine's stature joining our brilliant Downton Abbey cast,' said Laura Mackie, ITV's director of drama.

'It is a tribute to the show's success on both sides of the Atlantic.'

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MacLaine won an Oscar in 1984 for Terms of Endearment and has starred in over the 50 films during her successful career.

Gareth Neame, from Carnival Films which produces the show, said: 'My late grandfather directed Shirley MacLaine in Gambit in 1966 so it is a delight for me that she will be joining us on Downton Abbey.

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'Julian (Fellowes) has written another brilliant character in Martha Levinson, who will be a wonderful combatant for Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess and we are excited at the prospect of Shirley MacLaine playing her.'

We can't wait!

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