Downton to get its first black character – Daily TV round-up

'Downton Abbey' is to get its first black character, according to reports.

A black actor is being sought to play musician Jack Ross as part of a storyline about race in the 1920s.

Downton... to get its first black character (Copyright: ITV)

Casting information was sent out to agents describing Ross as 'Male, 25-30. A musician (singer) at an exclusive club in the 20s'.

“He’s black and very handsome,” it goes on to say. “A real man (not a boy) with charm and charisma. Overall he should be a very attractive man with a certain wow factor.”

The actor who wins the role should also 'ideally be able to sing brilliantly'.

[Related story: Maggie Smith has never watched Downton Abbey]

The Sun reports that Ross will be among a number of new characters to be introduced for the show's next series, which begins filming at the end of next month.

The production is also seeking an actor to play Lord Anthony Gillingham, a new love interest for Lady Mary Crawley who is 'good looking, very charismatic', with a 'perfect cut glass accent. He’s warm and charming, but also a strong man with morals'.

There is also Sir John Bullock , reportedly a 'party-loving cad 'must be able to act drunk'. [The Sun]

Also in today's press

'Fall Guy' star Lee Majors is has landed a role in the rebooted 'Dallas'. “I am in Dallas for two episodes, which is really exciting,” said the 73-year-old actor. “I get to play an old flame of Sue Ellen, who comes in and shakes things up a little.” [The Sun]

'X-Men' star Michael Fassbender turned up on the set of Ricky Gervais sitcom 'Life's Too Short', it's emerged, as a guest of Val Kilmer, who was filming a cameo on the show. “Fassbender and Kilmer were just hanging out with everyone on set and really enjoying themselves,” said an insider. “It was amazing to see these Hollywood stars on the same set as the show’s British TV stars like Les Dennis, Keith Chegwin and Shaun Williamson.” [Digital Spy]

Morrissey has cancelled an appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' in the US after he discovered that other guests included the cast from reality show 'Duck Dynasty'. “As far as my reputation is concerned, I can't take the risk of being on a show alongside people who, in effect, amount to animal serial killers. If Jimmy cannot dump 'Duck Dynasty', then we must step away,” said the singer. [Hollywood Reporter]