ITV1 have confirmed that Downton Abbey's Christmas episode will air at 9pm on Sunday 25th December and revealed some details about the one-off special's storyline.

Set in 1919, the two-hour special sees Downton Abbey hosting a lavish Christmas party.

However, despite being the season of goodwill, tensions are rife and Bates’s arrest has cast a shadow over the festivities. Will he be a condemned man or will he be found innocent in time for the annual servants ball?

Following a contretemps at the shooting party, Mary has to consider her future with Sir Richard Carlisle. Meanwhile, Violet has concerns about Rosamund, whose new suitor - the dashing but raffish Lord Hepworth (Nigel Havers) - is not all he seems.

Are you looking forward to the Christmas special? Let us know below...

> Buy the Series 2 boxset on Amazon.

Watch the Series 2 trailer...