First look: Downton Abbey series four episode one teaser

Downton Abbey, series four: Lady Mary and her late sister Sybil's husband Tom with their respective children. (ITV)

The trailer for the highly anticipated first episode of Downton Abbey series four has been released, showing Lady Mary Crawley in a depressed state.

Following the death of her husband Matthew last series, Lady Mary appears disinterested in her baby and calls him an “orphan”.

Housemaid Anna asks her if she would like a coloured blanket to take for a walk, but Lady Mary seems determined to remain in mourning and asks for a black one instead.

When Nanny West asks if Lady Mary would like to go out with baby George for some air, she says: “I don’t think so, thank you. Poor little orphan.”

Anna then tells her: “He’s not an orphan. He’s got his mother. Orphans haven’t.”

Lady Mary replies moodily from her chair: “He isn’t poor either come to that.”

The series four trailer released a fortnight ago promises a lot of high drama, including a possible new suitor for Lady Mary.

Lady Mary and Tom Branson (Lady Sybil’s widower) can be seen left holding the babies, and there is the suggestion of a love interest for him too.

The new series will welcome fresh faces to Downton, including jazz musician Jack, played by EastEnders’ Gary Carr, and New Zealand opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

The new cast members join other more familiar faces, including Lord and Lady Crawley, played by Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern, as well as Dame Maggie Smith.

Downton Abbey returns to ITV on Sunday 22 September at 9pm