Downton Abbey series 5: Richard E Grant makes debut as Simon Bricker tonight

The actor will be making several appearances as an art historian

Richard E. Grant as art historian Simon Bricker (ITV)

Richard E Grant will be paying a visit to Downton Abbey tonight in his eagerly anticipated cameo role as the art historian Simon Bricker.

Bricker will be accompanying his friend and one-time suitor to Lady Mary, Charles Blake, to the Abbey to view a painting belonging to the Grantham family.

During his time at Downton the art historian takes a shine to Cora and witnesses a lively exchange at the dinner table.

This week will mark the first of four episodes featuring Grant, who will threaten to ‘cause ructions’ in the household.

Back in March Grant shared pictures from the set of Julian Fellowes' period drama, showing him in costume as Bricker.

Grant is not the only new face to Downton Abbey, Four Weddings and a Funeral actress Anna Chancellor is starring in the show as Lady Anstruther, an upper class woman with amorous affections for Jimmy Kent the footman.

Hollywood star George Clooney will also be making a guest appearance in a special charity Christmas episode.

Tonight’s episode promises plenty of drama as Lady Mary considers Lord Gillingham’s offer to whisk her away for a romantic weekend.

The fifth series of Downton Abbey started last week, drawing in audiences of an average 8.43 million.