Weddings and American relatives to feature in third series of Downton Abbey

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McGovern, who plays Lady Cora, Countess of Grantham, also revealed that a host of American characters will join the cast.

In an interview McGovern admitted that she often feels "guilty" shooting the ITV1 series because the cast have so much fun behind the scenes.

She said: "I feel a bit guilty because I get paid to do something that is so much fun. We have a lot of laughs. I love the team behind Downton so it really is a joy."

But there are disadvantages to appearing in a Golden Globe award-winning show, namely the tight-fitting period costumes which she said can be "very hard work".

McGovern told the Sun: "They put you in a corset and, baby, they squeeze that tight! At the end of the day my intestines are in my throat and in my legs! It's very hard work.

"I enjoy wearing them but it's nice to leave them at work."

With Downton proving a huge hit in the US, McGovern recently explained American audiences are attracted to the period drama because they love the "intrigue" it provides.

She said: "I think they love the drama and the intrigue, and they also love the solidity of the life, that you're free of mobile phones and Twitter."

The eight-part third series set in 1920 and 1921 will be broadcast from September this year.