Simon Cowell to have cameo role in new series of Downton Abbey The X Factor creator is set to make his acting debut in Julian Fellowes' period drama, reports Ed Cumming. (THE TELEGRAPH)

Simon Cowell is swapping his trademark high-waisted trousers for white tie and tails, with a small part in the third series of Downton Abbey.

For his first acting role, the X Factor creator and music producer will appear as Baron de Wharffe, an industrialist and old schoolfriend of the Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville). The Baron seeks refuge at Downton after falling on hard times when new laws force him to close down a number of profitable meat factories.

He puts his host in a difficult position, however, when he starts encouraging the servants to leave Downton and fulfil their childhood fantasies.

“The Baron is a bit of a cad,” said a source close to the series. “One of those schoolfriends who you love even though they make mischief. His winning smile gets him out of most scrapes.”


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