"Downton Abbey" casts first black character

Gary Carr will play the first black character on the fourth season of ITV's highly acclaimed costume drama, "Downton Abbey."

Carr will play Jack Ross, "a charming and charismatic young man" in the eight-episode season whose role “will bring interesting twists to the drama," said executive producer Gareth Neame in a statement.

The addition of a black character was announced in February responding to criticism over the show's lack of diversity.

Carr's previous experience includes roles in BBC series "Bluestone 42" and "Death In Paradise."