As one of the series veterans, how does it feel to have the big names leaving and new people arriving? ‘The show really benefits – it gives it a new lease of life and a new energy. The intensity of the drama’s really up this year. You miss them, but it works for the story.’
How has Tom’s relationship with Mary developed? ‘They’re unified in their grief – both are widowed with young children, and form a great friendship through that. Tom’s trying to find his place in society. He has a job, but that doesn’t mean he’s comfortable in his surroundings.'
Does Tom’s Irishness surface as an issue again? ‘Not in a political way, more a cultural one. Tom has a job, but still doesn't belong in the house and their circles. When they have a big house party, someone says that Tom’s small talk is very small talk indeed. He’s a fish out of water.’
Is Tom going from the bottom to the top? ‘The position he’s in is the one he’ll stay in. He can’t take over the estate. Even if more people die, a cousin would come in. Tom will always be grounded because of his relationship with the staff.’
Is there added pressure on set now the show is so popular? ‘I suppose. We’re all trying to not let standards fall. It must be hard to be new on “Downton”. I remember walking in for my first scene in series three with Shirley [MacLaine] and Dame Maggie [Smith]. That was pretty terrifying and I’d already been on the show for two years…’
How has the fan reaction been? ‘Tom’s quite a liked character. Twitter’s hilarious when the show’s on. You get blamed for a lot of things. I had a movie at the Sundance Festival, and I was at passport control. The episode where Branson leaves his wife in Dublin had just aired and the guy who took my passport told me, “That was a really crappy thing you did to your wife.” Er, okay!’
Was it difficult keeping Sybil’s death secret? ‘It was. I’m amazed we managed it. My mother was furious – typical Irish Catholic guilt!’
Does Tom have a love interest this year? ‘A couple of people come looking but I don’t thin he’s that interested. I like that solitude this year, figuring out who he is.’
Has the ante been upped this year? ‘Definitely. There are some really harrowing stories. You’ll be quite shocked, but not in an operatic way.’
