There’s been quite a bit of speculation online about Richard and Downton Abbey – basically ever since the show first aired on TV. While nothing has actually been decided as to whether or not REG will make an appearence on the popular series, that still doesn’t stop the gossip. For instance, here’s a quick article by Paul McSweeney from the Entertainmentwise.com website.

Entertainmentwise.com – 4th December, 2012

We can totally imagine Richard E Grant in the Downton household in this get-up! (WENN)

By Paul McSweeney

Will Richard E Grant Be In The Next Series Of Downton Abbey? The actor is hoping to land a role in the up-coming series

Actor Richard E Grant could be lined up with a role in the next series of Downton Abbey. He is hoping to land a role in the 2013 episodes after feeling overlooked by creator Julian Fellowes when he wasn’t offered a place in the original cast.

Richard worked with Julian on his Oscar-winning 2001 film Gosford Park, in which he played a footman at a stately home, and it seems that he was surprised when he wasn’t invited to be a part of the hugely successful period drama!

Despite this, Richard remains hopeful that he will be asked to appear in the show’s up-coming fourth series.

Richard told The Independent magazine: “I have no idea (why I wasn’t asked to be in Downton Abbey). I know Julian, but I was never asked. I’ve never been up for it. Maybe next series.”

We wonder if Richard will be asked to take up a role in the next series. What do you think?