'Downton Abbey' Season 6 News, Spoilers: Gwen Dawson Returns; Former Housemaid A Snob?

Events are expected to get even more interesting as the sixth and the final season of PBS' hit period drama TV series "Downton Abbey" moves on this week with an episode that will see the return of one familiar face.

Reports were rife this week (via Carter Matt) on the return of Rose Leslie as Gwen Dawson. Her upcoming appearance will reunite her for the first time with the cast members of the show ever since she played her famous role in the popular fantasy drama series from HBO, "Game of Thrones," as Ygritte.

Surprisingly, Dawson will be using the main entrance rather than the passage for the servants when she comes back. This clearly indicates that her status in society may have moved up. As to how she was able to do that, it remains to be seen.

The teaser for episode 4, however, gave a brief glimpse of Gwen at the front door and it appears that Thomas, and perhaps the rest of the servants, aren't quite pleased with her presence as she didn't spare time to say hello to any of them.

Leslie's return to the show was rather surprising. The actress previously clarified that the series had already wrapped up Gwen's storyline. She told Radio Times (via International Business Times) that the character is in a "happy place, married, out of domestic service and living the life she always wanted."

For those who missed it, the housemaid left Downton to get a job as a secretary in Season 1 with Sybil's help. The character's private life remains under wraps although it is mentioned that Gwen's wedding was small and simple. It can be deduced that the former Downton staff was cordially invited for Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughe's wedding.

Find out more when "Downton Abbey" returns to the airwaves this January 3 on PBS.