Aside from George Clooney's appearance, there's a lot of stuff to look forward to in the upcoming "Downton Abbey" Christmas special. Hugh Bonneville, the actor who portrays the role of Robert Crawley in the hit ITV period drama series, teased that the special will be "heartwarming" and "nice." 

Hello Magazine posted several details about the two-hour Christmas episode, saying that it features the Crawley family's trip to Brancaster Castle for a shooting party organized by Lord Sinderby (James Faulkner).  Although the family has a grand time during their shooting trip, the mood is dampened as the Sinderby's butler Stowell ("Sleepy Hollow" star Alun Armstrong) threatens to break the holiday spirit by unveiling a scandalous secret. 

Back in Downton, the servants of the estate have troubles of their own, as Bates (Brendan Coyle) does everything that he can to clear the name of his wife Anna (Joanne Frogatt) so that she will not have to be imprisoned. Phyllis Baxter (Raquel Cassidy) and Joseph Molesley (Kevin Doyle) are busy devising a sneaky plan, while Mrs. Elsie Hughes (Phyllis Logan) and butler Carson (Jim Carter) think of going into a joint business venture. 

Another new character will be introduced in the Christmas special as well. Princess Irina, the wife of Prince Kuragin (Rade Sherbedgia), will debut on the series. She will be portrayed by BAFTA Award nominee Jane Lapotaire. 

Meanwhile, fans are eagerly awaiting the "Downton Abbey" skit wherein award-winning actor George Clooney appears in the show for an ITV charity fundraiser. He will allegedly play as an American wedding guest in a scene specifically written to raise funds. 

The "Downton Abbey" Christmas specials have been eagerly anticipated by fans since the show started to feature stand-alone episodes back in 2011. This year's holiday episode will air on Christmas Day itself in the U.K.