It is now 1925, when secrets and rifts threaten the unity of the family, while those below stairs are faced with social changes.

Preparations for the wedding of Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes are under way. Edith meets up with an old acquaintance. Spratt has something to hide.

Neville Chamberlain visits Downton for dinner, and is drawn into Violet’s plan to save the hospital, with distressing consequences for everyone. Andy finds an unexpected confidante while helping Mr Mason…

The Crawleys watch Henry compete in a motor racing event, an occasion that leaves Mary reeling. Violet hatches a plan which surprises the family and delights Miss Denker, and learns…

Relations between Robert and Cora continue to be strained. Blake’s scheming starts to come to fruition when Mary is unexpectedly pitted against her love rival. Edith receives some terrible news…

Preparations are under way for Rose’s wedding, but family tensions on both sides threaten to derail proceedings. Edith’s arrangement with Marigold is happily working out, but how long can she…