Downton Abbey series 5: Spoiler photos show George Crawley and Sybbie Branson as children

The young children, who were babies in the last series, have both lost one parent in the period drama

Little George Crawley in a spoiler for Downton Abbey series five (Downton Abbey/Instagram)

Downton Abbey has given its audience a peek of what’s to come in the new series with two adorable images showing how some of the youngest cast members have been getting along.

Series four finished in November 2013 and a fifth series is due to air this autumn.

The spoiler pictures, posted to the period drama’s official Instagram account yesterday, shows the young character of Miss Sybbie Branson, whose mother Lady Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay) died in childbirth in series three.

In the new photograph little Sybbie, played by Fifi Hart, 4, is seen a few years older with her widower father Tom Branson (Allen Leech).

The second image shows Master George Crawley, who is now a toddler after his birth in series four.

His father Matthew Crawley died on the same day George was introduced into the world; killed in a road accident having just visited his newborn son.

It was revealed earlier this month that part of series five was filmed in Alnwick Castle – known for its role as Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter films.

Cast and crew appeared to have moved from Highcleare Castle in Berkshire, where Downton Abbey is normally filmed, to pitch up at the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland's residence.

Alnwick has also been used in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (1991), Elizabeth (1998) and Mary, Queen of Scots (1971).

Viewers can expect to see Lady Edith continue to struggle with her situation, while George’s mother Lady Mary beings to “embrace her new life” following the loss of her husband, actress Michelle Dockery, has said.