'Dan's done with Downton': Shock for Downton Abbey fans as Dan Stevens is 'not returning to season four' By SYLVIA MULDER (MAIL ON-LINE)

Goodbye Matthew: Dan Stevens is reportedly leaving Downton Abbey, the show that made him a star

It was just announced that there will be a fourth series and an extravagant Christmas special for the popular costume drama.

But now it seems Downton Abbey will have to move on without its male romantic lead, as Dan Stevens is reportedly not returning to the hit TV series.

The 30-year-old actor, who plays Matthew Crawley, is expected to be a part of the Christmas special and the first episode of the new season, but will then leave the show.

A production source told the Sunday Express of the actor's departure, although this is yet to be confirmed by ITV.


The source told the newspaper: 'Dan Stevens isn't returning to the series. He will probably do the first episode of the fourth series, but that will be it.'

It is not yet clear how the actor will leave the show, but he is said to still be a part of the two-hour Christmas special.


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