George Clooney set to join Downton Abbey for 'one-off sketch'

George Clooney will play an American character who is a guest at a wedding in the country estate, says reports.

17:53 11 September 2014

George Clooney is set to appear in Downtown Abbey playing a guest at a wedding in the country estate. The special episode will be broadcasted on Christmas Day and was written to raise money for a charity fundraiser called Text Santa for ITV.

A representative for ITV said that the Hollywood actor would appear in a sketch but would not act in the full Christmas episode. Although the spokesperson has confirmed that the scenes have already been filmed, he refused to give away any further details.

Sources told the Sun: "All the plans have been shrouded in secrecy because George was determined for his role not to leak out.

"All the other cast members and crew were also sworn to secrecy. It's amazing it's taken four months for someone to find out. This is the biggest moment in Downton history and shows it's now the biggest drama in the world."

Last year, Cheryl Cole starred in a special episode of Coronation Street for the Text Santa fundraising appeal. She was shown serving drinks in the Rovers Return alongside Michelle Keegan.