'Downton Abbey' gets fifth season

(UPI) -- Downton Abbey fans, rejoice! ITV has commissioned a fifth season of the popular costume drama after its fourth season finale garnered 11.8 million viewers in Britain. A Christmas special, set to air in December, will star Paul Giamatti as Lady Grantham's brother.

Stateside fans of the show have yet to see Downton Abbey's fourth season, which debuts Sunday, January 5 on PBS.

Dear friends, it may be the end of Series 4 but we are delighted to tell you that #Downton will be back for another series! Marvellous news!

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— Downton Abbey (@DowntonAbbey) November 10, 2013

“Audiences have enjoyed their regular Sunday evening visits back to Downton once again this autumn and we are thrilled to produce a new series of the show next year," executive producer Gareth Neame said in a statement.

“We promise all the usual highs and lows, romance, drama and comedy played out by some of the most iconic characters on television. All the actors and makers of the show continue to be humbled by the extraordinary audience response and want to take the show from strength to strength next year.”

“I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Crawley family," said PBS president Paula Kerger.