‘Downton Abbey’ Season 5 Spoilers: 6 Things To Know About 2014 Christmas Special; Deaths, Love Interests And More

“Downton Abbey” will once again air a Christmas episode as a season finale this year. Viewers in the U.S. will have to wait until March for the Season 5 finale, but viewers in the U.K. will see it on Christmas Day. We have a few last-minute spoilers that fans should know before watching the “Downton Abbey” 2014 Christmas special.

1. No Deaths – Everyone is still reeling from Matthew Crawley’s Season 3 death, but it seems fans don’t have to worry about that this year. "I can say that there aren’t any sudden deaths," Elizabeth McGovern (Lady Cora) told Metro.

2. Tom Branson’s Fate – He might not die, but that doesn’t mean Tom (Allen Leech) is sticking around Downton Abbey. Sybil’s widower might be leaving. Leech himself has said that “Downton Abbey” likely won’t continue past Season 7, but he might depart before then.

“Tom is making a decision on whether he is going to stay or not and you’ll all know on Christmas Day in the U.K.,” Leech told the Independent.

3. Mary’s Love Interest – Mary (Michelle Dockery) might find love this Christmas, even if it doesn’t last. “The Good Wife” actor Matthew Goode will play Mary’s new love interest, but his contract with the American drama will likely make it impossible for him to stick around.

4. Bates’ Plan – Bates (Brendan Coyle) won’t let Anna (Joanne Froggatt) take the blame for Mr. Green’s (Nigel Harman) death. He has a plan to clear her name but it might not work. In promotional photos, they’re both behind bars.

5. New Castle – The servants will be at Downton, but the upstairs family will be heading to Northumberland. Rose’s (Lily James) father-in-law, Lord Sinderby (James Faulkner), invites everyone to a shooting party. They filmed at Alnwick Castle, a location familiar to fans of “Harry Potter” films, and Hugh Bonneville was stunned by the new location.

“Highclere in Hampshire is a stunning castle to film the Downton Abbey scenes but, frankly, Alnwick makes it look like a portacabin,” Bonneville joked to the Mirror. “It’s huge and splendid.”

6. No George Clooney – Bad news: If you're expecting to see George Clooney, you'll be disappointed. The famous actor appeared in a Christmas sketch for charity, not the Christmas special. Good news: Fans can watch the entire sketch here.

The “Downton Abbey” 2014 Christmas special will air Sunday, March 1, on PBS in the U.S. Do you think Tom Branson will leave Downton for good? Sound off in the comments section below!