The young aristocrat will get a few stiff upper lips quivering over her romance with a black man.

The character of fun-loving Lady Rose – played by Lily James, 24 – was brought in to spice up the series.

When the award-winning period drama returns to our screens this autumn viewers will meet the ­newcomer, jazz singer Jack Ross, played by Gary Carr.

He is the first black ­character on the show and it is rumoured he will have a taboo affair with Lady Rose.

“The plot lines are going to be sensational this time round,” said a show insider.

Their relationship will give the snobby Dowager Countess – played by Dame Maggie Smith – something else to complain about.

Her great niece, who has moved in to Downton, upset relatives in previous series with her flirty behaviour.

(Source)