Downton Abbey sequel death: Major character missing in new poster is not who you think

The first film already set up the impending death of Violet Crawley, spelled out in the closing scenes during an emotional conversation with her favourite granddaughter Lady Mary. However, there was no clear outline for how much time she has left – and the Dowager Countess is seen front and centre in the brand new poster, looking as formidable as ever. Instead, it is another popular character who is notably missing.

A worrying leak last year revealed: “It’s heartbreak at Highclere Castle and there won’t be a dry eye in cinemas(Writer Julian Fellowes) has made this death so poignant. Those who have seen the scenes said they are so emotional. They really will leave fans in floods.”

Absolutely everybody logically assumed this was referring to Maggie Smith’s Violet after she confided to Mary (Michelle Dockery) she had been visiting doctors in London and had just received confirmation that she had a terminal illness.

However, it is actually Mary’s husband who is ominously nowhere to be seen in a poster that is chock-full of every single familiar face above and below stairs – and a few new ones. 

Where is Henry Talbot, played by Matthew Goode? His wife is the dominant character on the poster, standing at the very front, larger and more prominent than anyone else.

Clearly, Mary’s storylines will be central to the film, as she starts to take Downton Abbey into the “new era” of the title – something which she discussed with faithful lady’s maid Anna Bates, played by Joanne Froggatt.

Why isn’t her husband by her side? Goode isn’t actually on the exhaustive film industry cast listings on IMDB at all. Surely, they won’t make Mary a widow twice?

Lady Mary devastatingly lost her first husband Matthew before finding love again with racing car enthusiast Henry. He was almost entirely absent from the first film, just popping up at the end in time for the royal ball. It was explained that he had been “overseas” on business.

However, he was still featured prominently in the poster, sitting next to Mary and holding her hand. This time she is very clearly out front on her own.

Will the new film reveal the marriage is in trouble or, even worse, might there be two funerals, not one?