"Downton Abbey" fans: Don't read this

The cast of "Downton Abbey."

/ PBS

A twist awaits fans of "Downton Abbey" when the Season 3 of the series begins to air in the U.S. next month. (SPOILER ALERT)

The drama airs earlier in Britain and fans there are feeling blue after Christmas Day's conclusion of Season 3.

When Dan Stevens, one of the stars of this wildly popular British costume drama opted not to continue beyond his initial commitment, the show's creators wrote him out in what ITV called an "untimely and tragic death."

His character, Matthew Crawley, dies unexpectedly in the season finale that will air in the U.S. in February. The show begins here Jan. 6.

Michelle Dockery will be returning in Season 4 as Matthew's soon-to-be widow, Lady Mary.