Nigel Havers and Sharon Small sign up for Downton Abbey

{jcomments on}Nigel Havers and Sharon Small have reportedly signed up for roles in ITV’s period drama Downton Abbey.

The Mirror reports the two actors have signed up to appear in the Julian Fellowes penned drama when it returns later this year for its second series. ITV ordered a second run and a Christmas Special following its phenomenal performance last year when ratings topped 10 million viewers. According to the paper Havers will play aristocrat Lord Hepworth while Sharon Small will play Marigold Shore, maid to Lady Rosamond (Samantha Bond).

“After the success of last year’s series bosses are determined to keep up the momentum by introducing high profile stars to keep viewers excited. There’s massive anticipation ahead of the second series and bringing in well known faces like Nigel will help the show come back with a bang.” – An “insider” in The Mirror

Nigel Havers appeared in Coronation Street last year as escort Lewis Archer who was involved in a love triangle between Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) and Claudia Colby (Rula Lenksa). He is perhaps best remembered for the 1980s film Chariots of Fire but his other roles include Lunch Monkeys, Manchild, Dangerfield, Don’t Wait Up and The Good Guys. The actor has also made guest appearances in The Sarah Jane Adventures and Born and Bred. Sharon Small will be best known for her roles in the BBC dramas Mistresses and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries but her other roles include Murderland and Sunburn.

Also joining the cast for the second series, as previously announced, are Maria Doyle Kennedy, Cal Macaninch, Iain Glen and Amy Nuttall. They will join returning cast members such as Penelope Wilton, Dan Stevens, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGowan, Maggie Smith and Michelle Dockery.