The Heiress Star Dan Stevens Won't Return for Fourth Season of Downton Abbey

Sad news for Downton Abbey fans: After months of speculation, news has broke that The Heiress leading man Dan Stevens won't return for the fourth season of TV's ratings hit and critical darling Downton Abbey, according to Deadline.com.

Stevens, who plays dashing Crawley cousin Matthew, opted not to re-up his contract with the series, which will begin production on its fourth season this winter. The series' third season aired in November in the U.K., with a special additional episode just aired on Christmas Day. The U.S. run is scheduled to begin on January 6 on PBS.

The actor will continue his run as devious suitor Morris Townsend in The Heiress through February 10 at the Walter Kerr Theatre.