Diversity comes to 'Downton' with first black character

• Gary Carr is first black cast member
• Lots of new characters added for season four
• Tom Cullen will play Lady Mary%27s suitor

The very British Downton Abbey will look a little bit different in Season 4 thanks to actor Gary Carr, who will portray the hit period drama's first black character.

The British actor will star as jazz singer Jack Ross.

"We are delighted to introduce another fantastic, dynamic character to Downton Abbey," executive producer Gareth Neame said in a statement. "His addition will bring interesting twists to the drama which we can't wait for viewers to see."

Carr is not the only new cast member who will appear in the fourth season. Other new faces: Kiri Te Kanawa, Julian Ovenden, Nigel Harman, Joanna David and Harriet Walter. Tom Cullen will play Lord Gillingham, Lady Mary's childhood friend and, now that she's a widow, a potential suitor.

PBS, which airs the wildly popular ITV series in the United States, has not announced the U.S. air dates for Season 4.