Although "Downton Abbey" won't be back for its fifth season until January 4, but hints about what can be expected in Season 5 of the period drama have been circulating the Internet. It has been confirmed that there will be no character death, but new friendships will be formed and some romance is in the works. On the other hand, we can expect the Levinsons to say goodbye to the small screen, for now.

Paul Giamatti and Shirley MacLaine will no longer be in the cast, while new addition to the cast have been introduced. According to WPTV.com, Downton Abbey's Season 5 will start off six months after the events of last season's Christmas special. A new character in the name of Lady Anstruther, to be portrayed by Anna Chancellor, will be joining the cast, whose character in the series is described as "a trouble maker who is looking for something". KDramaStars also reported that Richard E. Grant will be joining the show as Simon Bricker. Rade Sherbedgia will be appearing as a Russian refugee.

Meanwhile, fans will see their favorite protagonists experiencing some changes come January. Mary, who is played by Michelle Dockery, will reportedly be a bit impulsive after mourning for Matthew's death.

Christian Today quoted Dockery, who said, "She's embracing her new life, really... She's got a bit of her bite back."

Moreover, it has been said that Mary might develop a deeper friendship with Tom. Actor Allen Leech, who plays Tom, had shared that Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson's romantic chemistry might also blossom this season. Leech also said that the fifth season has taken a more personal turn, with each character having an individual journey, reported WPTV.

On the other hand, it has been known that the show will also be tackling the controversial rape of Anna's (Joanne Froggatt) rape. WPTV claimed that the show will also be focusing on how the incident will affect Anna and Mr. Bates' (Brendan Coyle) relationship, seeing as the two both have secrets from each other. Froggatt has been quoted as saying that Anna is "obviously changed" by the incident. The actress also added that Anna and Mr. Bates are considering having kids, but hints that there would be a lot of questions between the two that would test their relationship.

Meanwhile, Dockery said things are not looking up for Edith (Laura Carmichael) in the show. She commented, "Mary's mean to Edith especially in this season."

US fans will expect to see "Downtown Abbey" on January, while its UK premiere is on September.