Downton stars reveal what to expect from series five

The cast of ITV's hit dama Downton Abbey. Credit: ITV

The cast and crew of Downton Abbey have given fans a sneak peak of what the upcoming series has in store.

It's 1924 and mild-mannered patriarch Robert is concerned for the family's future as a new Labour government threatens to bring in huge taxes on estates such as Downton.

According to Allen Leech, who plays Tom Branson, the change in the political landscape "doesn't sit very well with a lot of people upstairs".

The show's writer, Julian Fellowes, says that in the fifth series the downstairs characters will struggle "to adjust to the changing nature of modern Britain".

Times are changing for Mr Carson (Jim Carter). Credit: ITV

Hugh Bonneville, who plays Robert, says that for the aristocrats "the challenge ahead really, is to make the estate pay in this new age".

Watch the full video on the Downton Abbey site here.