The League of Austen Artists: SPOILER ALERT: Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley get close at New Year's Eve party in Downton Abbey Christmas special

By Kirsty Mccormack

Last updated at 8:50 AM on 1st December 2011

Fans were gutted when the second series of Downton Abbey came to an end, so no doubt they're longing for Christmas Day to come quicker than usual.

The ITV drama is back for a two-hour long special on December 25 and if the latest images are anything to go by, viewers are going to be left wanting even more.

The festive episode will see various storylines pick up where they left off, but probably most important is the relationship between Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) and Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens).

What will happen next? Fans of Downton Abbey will finally get to see if things progress between Matthew Crawley and Lady Mary

Something to hide? Lady Mary gets close to her love interest after her fiancé becomes an unwanted house guest at the New Year's Eve party

In the teasing images, the pair are seen dancing with one another at the New Year's Eve party after Lady Mary's fiancé, Sir Richard Carlisle (Iain Glen) becomes an unwanted house guest.

Viewers may finally see the couple get together, after Matthew's fiancée passed away in the last series, as in another images the brunette certainly looks like she has something to hide.

Lavinia Swire (Zoe Boyle) told her fiancé on her deathbed that he should get together with his real love so perhaps he is taking her advice.

In the festive spirit: Lady Mary will spend time with Matthew at the servants' ball which sees the residents of upstairs and downstairs come together

Tension: Lady Mary and Sir Richard Carlisle (Iain Glen) don't exactly look like a typical engaged couple

The episode will also see the residents of upstairs and downstairs come together as they enjoy the servants’ ball and a night of dancing.

There will also be another first in the form of the staff being given Christmas Day off as Earl Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) takes charge of the festive lunch in the kitchen.

The main character will continue to testify at the trial of Bates (Brendan Coyle) - the valet who is on trial for the murder of his wife, but at the same time the Earl's wife, the Countess Of Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern) looks to be making a shocking discovery as she is pictured reading a diary.

New chef in Downton: As the staff are given a day off the Earl of Grantham takes to the kitchen to cook Christmas lunch

So what do you think of the Earl's cooking? Lady Rosamund's maid Marigold (Sharon Small) watches footman Thomas Barrow (Rob-James Collier) dishing out his Christmas pudding

Caught out: What discovery are the ladies making on Christmas day?

Caught out: What discovery are Lady Rosamund (Samantha Bond), Lady Mary and head housemaid Anna (Joanne Froggatt) making on Christmas day?

Fans of the show are aware that he shared a passionate kiss with housemaid Jane (Clare Calbraith) in the second series, and will now wonder if his wife is about to find out all about it.

The dramatic episode is sure to be a hit with viewers across the UK as they settle down to enjoy some festive TV after their Christmas dinner - and ITV is certainly hoping so.

All about giving: Some of the characters may receive unwanted gifts on the festive day

And what, I pray, is this? The Dowager Countess (Dame Maggie Smith) unwraps her son's present

The commercial broadcaster is looking to triumph over the BBC this year as its rivals plan to screen a Christmas special of Absolutely Fabulous in the same 9-11pm slot.

But the BBC has the upper hand with soap EastEnders - traditionally the most popular programme on the day.

It's hoping that the combination of the Walford residents and the popular comedy along with a variety of Christmas films will be enough to stop viewers from straying to ITV.

Ongoing trial: Fans of the show will see the Earl of Grantham continue to testify at the case of his valet

Did he, didn't he? Bates is standing trial accused of murdering his estranged wife

But it's not just Christmas Day that they're fighting for as the days afterwards are also important.

BBC One will be showing its new version of Great Expectations in three instalments on December 27 to 29 and on Boxing Day, a double episode of Coronation Street will be pitted against BBC One’s adaptation of The Borrowers, starring Victoria Wood and Stephen Fry.