Downton Abbey: A New Era Trailer Hints At Thomas Barrow Romance

We’re excited to be heading back to our favourite stately home, after the new trailer for Downton Abbey: A New Era dropped on Tuesday.

You can watch the trailer below.

The sequel to the 2019 film sees us learning more about Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, after she reveals she’s inherited a new luxury villa in the south of France. 

The news comes after a director decides to choose Downton to be the home of his latest feature film, and brings a cohort of Hollywood stars to mingle with the Crawley family.

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And the arrival of these glamourous guests may spark more than just excitement for the residents of Downton, as the trailer seems to hint at romance for butler Thomas Barrow.

The first film saw Barrow come to terms with his sexuality – a ground-breaking plot for Downton, as being gay in the early 1900s was a criminal offence – and it seems he may be in for a passionate fling with film star Guy Dexter (played by Dominic West). 

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The new trailer sees Barrow share a brief moment with Dexter, who smooths down Barrow’s suit before giving him a wry smile.

Fingers crossed this means that our favourite butler finally finds the man of his dreams!

Elsewhere in A New Era, it appears that the Dowager Countess of Grantham is hiding something.

With the trip to the south of France giving us a peek into her little-known backstory, it seems the Crawleys’ visit to Europe may see them uncover a major family secret.

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In the trailer, we see Violet, played by Dame Maggie Smith, explaining: “Years ago…before you were born, I met a man.”

After a short pause, she goes on to add: “And now, I’ve come into possession of a villa in the south of France.”

Violet, who cheekily adds after dropping the new house bombshell: “And with that I will say goodnight, and leave you to discuss my mysterious past.”

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A New Era sees many familiar faces returning for the second Downton Abbey movie, as well as some exciting new additions. 

Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock and Nathalie Baye will all be making their Downton debut in the sequel, playing brand new characters.

​​Downton Abbey: A New Era is in cinemas April 29.