Mirror.co.uk – 29th March, 2014

By Carl Greenwood

Withnail and I star Richard will play art historian Simon Bricker in the new series of the ITV period drama

Richard E Grant will play Simon Bricker in
Donwton Abbey – @RichardEGrant/Twitter

Richard E Grant has given Donwton Abbey fans an aristocratic treat by tweeting pictures from the set.

The British actor – who is guest starring in the upcoming fifth series of the ITV period drama – took to Twitter to share a first look at his role.

“On Downton Abbey duty this fine LickYourPlateCleanFriday,” the actor tweeted alongside a picture of him in full garb on the famous steps of Downton.

Grant also tweeted a picture of his character’s grand car, writing: “‘Home’ for the weekend, James!”.

It was previously revealed that the Girls actor will play Simon Bricker – an art historian – who is a houseguest of the Crawley family.

Downton newcomer Grant previously promised his character will “shake things up” when he arrives at the famous Crawley home.

The Withnail and I star teased: “I started filming yesterday.

“When I stepped on to the set at Highclere, I thought, ‘Yes, I’m home’. I’m upstairs, naturally!

“I don’t want to spoil anything but my character is set to cause some ructions. He definitely will shake things up. It’s going to be fun.”

His character will appear in four episodes of the fifth season of the show.