The British period drama television series "Downtown Abbey" is introducing its first black character as part of a storyline about race relations in the 1920s, according to the UK’s leading tabloid, The Sun. (Continue reading at your own risk because there may or may not be spoilers below.) [The Sun has more details about the new black character: ](http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/4812825/first-black-character-in-downton-abbey.html#ixzz2MDCzel3O) >The award-winning stately home drama is seeking an actor to play musician Jack Ross. > > Casting notes were sent out to actors’ agents earlier this month. They describe Ross as "Male, 25-30. A musician (singer) at an exclusive club in the 20s. > > "He’s black and very handsome. A real man (not a boy) with charm and charisma." > > Whoever lands the role should "ideally be able to sing brilliantly". The notes add: "Overall he should be a very attractive man with a certain wow factor." Jack Ross will play a key part in the fourth series of the hit TV saga alongside a string of other fresh faces. The Season 2 finale of "Downton Abbey" earned PBS its highest overnight ratings since 2009’s "Ken Burns National Parks." The series’ ratings were up 25 percent from its first season, [doubling the average PBS viewership.](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/23/downton-abbey-season-2-finale-ratings-pbs_n_1296967.html)