Downton Abbey Season 5 Filming Pictures Released (+Spoilers, Premiere Date in US, UK)

Downton Abbey is under production with filming taking place now.

Some behind-the-scenes photos of the actors and actresses on set have been published.

The Hollywood Reporter published the pictures.

Of the show’s grasp on viewers, creator Julian Fellowes mused: “It was perfect for the zeitgeist. The Western world’s financial picture has been so worrying that there was need to believe that the world was once a simpler place, when lunch- and dinnertime were sacred.”

Season 5 filming is set to end in August and the show will reportedly premiere in the United States in January 2015. Producers want it to air at the same time in the United Kingdom.

“I want to have simultaneous transmission in American and Britain,” Fellowes told the Telegraph. “The BBC have shown it can be done because they did it with Doctor Who so all this talk that it’s impossible is wrong.”

Season 5 will feature the introduction of several new cast members, including Simon Bricker (Richard E. Grant), who visits Downton Abbey as a guest of the Granthams.

Grant on set. (Twitter)

Lady Anstruther (Anna Chancellor) is another new cast member, although details about the lady haven’t yet emerged.

Also, Rade Sherbedgia will play an unnamed Russian refugee.

“We look forward to introducing these new characters to our MASTERPIECE audience,” said executive producer Rebecca Eaton in a statement. “They will make a wonderful addition to the beloved Downton Abbey ensemble.”

And Lady Shackleton (Dame Harriet Walter) and Lord Flintshire (Peter Egan) will return.

Some spoilers have previously come out, including that Lady Rose might be leaving.

Rumor has it that she’ll be killed off, reported Radio Times. Meanwhile, O’Brien might be coming back.

Also, Lady Mary might have picked her man–Lord Gillingham, after Michelle Dockery and Tim Cullen were spotted earlier this year kissing.

There are also rumors that season 5 might be the last.

“There were rumours, there were denials… ‘I don’t know yet if there is a season six, but it’s not going to go on for ever,’ said Fellowes back in January before executive producer Gareth Neame stepped up to say: ‘There are no plans to end the show after the fifth series,'” reported Radio Times.

“But the question mark over how long Downton can run for still remains. Our advice? Make sure you enjoy every second of the fifth series…”