‘Downton Abbey’ star joins cast of ‘Cold Feet’ as new love interest

The new season of Cold Feet will introduce a Downton Abbey veteran to the show’s cast.

Starring James Nesbitt (The Missing), Helen Baxendale (Friends) and Hermione Norris (The Crimson Field), ITV’s romantic drama originally aired from 1997 to 2003 and returned to British screens in 2016 following a thirteen-year absence.

The revival reunited the Manchester-based ‘fiftysomething’ friends as they encountered the minefield of middle age.

Following the huge success of the sixth season last year, a seventh season was ordered by ITV, which began filming in March.

It’s now been announced that BAFTA-nominated Happy Valley actress Siobhan Finneran is joining the cast in the upcoming new episodes.

Finneran is best known for playing O’Brien in the first three seasons of Downton Abbey.

The 51-year-old actress will play Nikki Kirkbright. The character is described as “a Cheshire housewife that seems to have it all – money, big house and big hair – but something isn’t quite right.”

Nikki meets David (Robert Bathhurst) through his career in personal finance and the two soon develop a close bond. David discovers that her husband George (Robert Glenister) isn’t what he seems but unbeknown to George, Nikki is about to make her bid for freedom and David is part of her escape plan.

Finneran commented: “I’m incredibly happy to be involved in Cold Feet as I’ve always been a fan. It’s an absolute joy to be part of such a iconic series. Working with Robert and the rest of the cast has been a great pleasure.”

The first six seasons of Cold Feet are available to buy now on DVD.

The new season begins in the UK in September on ITV.