Dan Stevens To Leave Downton Abbey?

A tabloid report claims that actor Dan Stevens is set to leave Downton Abbey.
The Sunday Express claims that Stevens will not return for the show’s fourth series, which was officially commissioned by ITV earlier this week. Stevens plays the character of Matthew Crawley in the award-winning drama. The third series saw the wedding of Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) to Matthew after an on/off romance between the pair spanning the first two seasons.
According to the report the actor is only likely to appear in the opening episode of series four before departing. A “production source” is quoted by the tabloid as saying ‘Dan Stevens isn’t returning to the series. He will probably do the first episode of the fourth series, but that will be it.’
Stevens’ departure from Downton Abbey has not been confirmed but the actor was one of several cast members who, earlier this year, reportedly turned down contracts for a possible fourth series. Press reports at the time claimed that Dame Maggie Smith and Siobhan Finneran had also turned down extensions to their contracts. However, the reports were never officially confirmed by ITV or producers Carnival Films. Given the fourth series was only officially commissioned this week it is likely such reports of cast departures are premature.
Downton Abbey will return to ITV1 on Christmas Day for a two-hour festive special.