There’s news of the Eek variety in The Sun’s TV Biz today in that Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens has revealed that he’s planning to move permanently to America, and therefore would of course quit the show and his role as Matthew Crawley!

While speaking to the paper about the plan to move across the pond – which has been prompted by the fact he’s landed a role in Broadway production, The Heiress, in which Dan will star alongside Jessica Chastain – Dan said, “I am off to New York in about a month’s time and it is going to be one big adventure.”

His wife Susie Hariet and their two young children will join him on the trip. He said, “I will be taking the whole family out and we will be there for around six months.

“I don’t know if I will be coming back to Downton as I don’t know if they are doing another series yet.”

The paper adds, “Dan says he was offered the part on the back of Downton’s roaring success at the Emmy Awards in America last year.”

Dan added, “It was a big decision to go as taking your family over there is a big thing but it’s exciting.

“We have not found anywhere to live yet but we will pretty soon.

“It is all down to the success of Downton in America. The show has been a huge hit over there on the back of the Emmys.

“It’s big over here but it is crazy over there. They really love it. I think that is to be celebrated and embraced.

“I can’t wait to go. New York is one of the most exciting places on earth.

“My parents will come and visit us — I mean why wouldn’t they? It’s an amazing opportunity for me.”

As mentioned, Dan of course plays Matthew Crawley, and in the new series of the show – which by the way is back on our screens on ITV1 on Sunday, September 16 at 9pm – his character is set to wed Lady Mary, who’s played by Michelle Dockery.

I rather hope he doesn’t make the move permanent, because if so, Matthew might have to be killed off, and poor Mary’s only just got her man!

Would you miss Dan as Matthew?