Downton Abbey series 5 finale trailer: Is the Dowager Countess about to become engaged?

The drama is heating up for the last episode before the Christmas special

There is a surprise in store for the Dowager Countess in the Downton Abbey finale (ITV)

This Sunday's series finale of Downton Abbey looks set to be one of the most dramatic yet, judging by this new 30-second teaser clip.

Rose's wedding to Atticus is threatened by family tensions, Anna and Bates are behind bars and Robert is fast becoming suspicious of Edith's obsession with her adopted daughter Marigold. Yes, the drama is heating up, and that's not even the start of it.

What we're most excited about is Prince Kuragin's declaration of love to the Dowager Countess. "I wish to spend my final years with you," he tells her while staring out of a window and, as expected, the expression on Violet's face is priceless.

Elsewhere, Branson makes a "heart-wrenching" decision that may or may not involve a departure, while Denker (the new maid played by The Royale Family's Sue Johnston) reveals a surprise element to her personality that causes trouble below stairs.

Mrs Patmore is still upset ahead of the war memorial's grand unveiling, but Robert "has something up his sleeve", according to ITV's episode synopsis.

"I feel as if our household is breaking up," Lady Mary says to Carson, echoing plenty of viewers' sentiments. "People grow up and move away and things change."

Carson's endearing response of "I'm confident that you will triumph in the end" is hard to believe, particularly amid rumours that Downton could soon be coming to a close.

No doubt the finale will end on a cliffhanger to keep everyone hotly-awaiting this year's Christmas special.

READ MORE: JULIAN FELLOWES WILL 'QUIT WHILE HE'S AHEAD'
GRACE DENT: THE WINDS ARE CHANGING IN DOWNTON ABBEY
GEORGE CLOONEY TO STAR IN CHARITY DOWNTON EPISODE