Downton Abbey is set to return to our screens this autumn and today, we bring you a brand new trailer for the second series.

The ITV original drama series is set in the fictional Downton Abbey, stately home of the Earl and Countess of Grantham.

It follows the eventful lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants early in the reign of King George V. The series spans the two years prior to the Great War, commencing with news of the sinking of the Titanic, an event that sets the story in motion.

New faces in the second series of the hit period drama will include Iain Glen, who will take on the role of Sir Richard Carlisle, Zoe Boyle as Miss Lavinia Swire, Maria Doyle Kennedy as Vera Bates the wife of John Bates, former Emmerdale actress Amy Nuttall will join as new Housemaid Ethel and Cal Macaninch joins as Lang, a new Valet.

Fan favourites Michelle Dockery, Dame Maggie Smith, Brendan Coyle, Rob James-Collier will all be back for the follow up series and speaking about it’s return, Laura Mackie, ITV Director of Drama Commissioning said:

We’re delighted with the audience response to Downton Abbey and the positive critical reaction. We’re extremely proud to have commissioned a series which has clearly captivated ITV1 viewers. Consequently, we’re thrilled to be announcing the recommission of a new series for 2011 which will allow us to spend more time with the Crawley family and their servants.