New GORGEOUS Photos from Downton Abbey - Season 5

PBS’ Masterpiece has released several brand new looks at Downton Abbeyseason 5, including the annual cast photo in front of their iconic home.

(Can you spot an error  in one of these photos?)

This year’s Downton Abbey group photo, pictured above, includes several notable additions: Robert’s dog is making his first appearance in the group photo as are Lady Mary and Branson’s respective children (the new actors for the kids were announced last week).

Several high-res Downton Abbey season 5 stills were also released by PBS/Masterpiece today. In them we see characters like Branson, Lord Gillingham, Lady Mary, Isobel Crawley, Bates and Anna, Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes, Thomas, Daisy, Cora, Branson, and others.

Of all these photos, the most telling may be the one of Lady Mary, Lord Gillingham, and Branson. Has Mary selected Gillingham as her new suitor in the wake of Matthew’s death? Throughout season 4 Lady Mary was frequently caught between Gillingham and Charles Blake, but the former has always had the favor of the audience thanks to his dashing looks and chemistry with Mary.

Speaking of new relationships, we haven’t forgotten about Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes briefly holding hands at the end of season 4 as they enjoyed some relaxing time on the beach. Will sparks finally fly between these two in the upcoming season? The photo certainly isn’t suggesting such a thing, but it definitely feels like a possibility.

Downton Abbey season 5 runs from January 4 to March 1, 2015 on PBS’ Masterpiece. Can’t wait until then? The show will be airing in the United Kingdom on ITV beginning in September, although no premiere date has been announced yet.