The Great War is making life at Downton feeling unsettled. Isobel has some surprising news about Matthew which ends up rocking the family even more. Ethel, a new maid at Downtown, manages to get on the wrong side of O'Brien. Bates returns and gives Anna some news which will change her life.

It is April, 1917 and with many of the male staff serving in the war, Carson, finds himself under pressure to make that the duties are carried out to his exacting standard. He ends up finding himself be forced to accept help in the dining room from the female staff.

The household are getting ready to become a convalescent home for wounded officers and Isobel is driving Cora mad. O'Brien wants to make sure that Cora is recognised as the boss of Downton and suggests she needs a friend in Thomas.

The household is preparing for a concert at Downton in an effort to try and keep spirits up among the convalescing men. Mary is quizzed by Mary about Carlisle, but Mary refuses to answer her questions. She wants to move on with her life without Matthew.

The complete household is shocked when some bad news arrives from the front line. Daisy's relationship with William ends up moving faster than she would like. Mary ends up paying a high price for gettingg Carlisle's assistance after Vera returns to Downton threatening to expose some old secrets.

An injured Canadian officer arrives Downton to recuperate and everything ends up becoming unsettles. He ends up sharing his secret with Lady Edith. Robert announces that the ceasefire will start on the 11th November. Isobel wants Downton to continue to help the war's wounded but Cora has other plans.

With the war now fully over, will life ever be the same again for everyone at Downton. The family end up being stunned by a new development. Sybil and Branson continue to try and keep their secret. Anna is put in a difficult position by Carlisle. Bates shocked following news about Vera. Thomas starts on a whole new money making scheme.

As the wedding grows closer there's excitement in the air but Branson's plans rattle people. After Spanish Flu reaches Downton, a desperate Thomas attempts to find a way to re-establish himself. After the Bryants return with a heartbreaking proposition, Ethel faces a dilemma. Anna makes Bates think again about their future.

This special episode takes a look behind the scenes of the popular drama series set in an Edwardian country house just after the turn of the century.

The year is 1919 and it is Christmas time at Downton Abbey. A lavish Christmas party is to be held at the Abbey but despite being the season of goodwill, tensions are high and Bates's arrest has cast a shadow over the whole of Christmas.