'Downton Abbey' Season 3: Ed Speleers cast as a footman

Mr. Carson better be ready for the new trainees he's acquiring in Season 3 of "Downton Abbey." It was previously announced that Matt Milne ("War Horse") has been cast as a new footman named Alfred. Now Digital Spy is reporting that Ed Speleers has been cast as the second new footman, Jimmy.

Speleers has most notably starred as the title character in "Eragon," alongside Jeremy Irons, Robert Carlyle and John Malkovich. He also starred on U.K. television series "Echo Beach."

In addition to the new footmen, "Downton" is bringing in a new kitchen maid named Ivy (Cara Theobald), Lady Cora's mother Martha (Shirley MacLaine) and Martha's lady's maid Miss Reid (Lucille Sharp).

So many new faces! We're glad the show is paying attention to our Season 3 Character Wishlist. The third season of "Downton" premieres in the U.K. in September, in the U.S. in January 2013.