Suits you sir, Richard E. Grant tweets pictures from the set of Downton Abbey

Looking dapper, the thespian gave a teaser of what audiences can expect

Suited and booted: Richard E Grant on the set of Downton Abbey

Richard E. Grant has given fans a sneak peek of his new character on Downton Abbey via Twitter, after he posted a picture of himself in costume.

The actor cuts a dashing figure in a black suit with tails for his new role as the art historian Simon Bricker, a house guest of the Grantham family, in the forthcoming fifth series of Julian Fellowes' period drama.

The Withnail and I star, who shared the photos on Friday with his 76,000 followers, tweeted "On DOWNTON ABBEY duty this fine LickYourPlateCleanFriday".

He also tweeted an image of his character’s car from the set, saying "Home of the weekend, James!"

Grant will appear in four episodes of the new series, as the art historian, who will threaten to ‘cause ructions’.

While his turn as Withnail in the quirky, surreal 1987 film may be his most famous role, he has donned period garb many times in the past, notably in The Scarlet Pimpernel and Gosford Park - reuniting the actor with Fellowes.

He is not the only new face to be joining the cast of Downton Abbey, it was announced back in February that Anna Chancellor will also be in the new series as Lady Anstruther. She is known for roles in Four Weddings and a Funeral and more recently The Hour.

Fellowes’ drama has attracted a huge US audience which counts Sean ‘Puff Daddy’ Combs as a fan.

 

Downton Abbey has featured American actors Paul Giamatti and Shirley MacLaine in the past.

Returning cast members include Dame Harriet Walter as Lady Shackleton and Peter Egan, who will reprise his role as Lord Flintshire.

The fourth series of Downton Abbey continued to draw in fans, pulling in a consolidated 11.8 million viewers and achieving its strongest ever season premiere.

The show is currently in production and will be returning to ITV for an eight-part series and a Christmas special in autumn 2014.