Spoiler alert!: More heartbreak for the Crawleys as another popular character dies in Downton Abbey Christmas special
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Actor Dan Stevens bowed out after three series as Matthew Crawley shortly after becoming a father for the first time.
After meeting his and wife Lady Mary's baby boy in the hospital after missing the birth, a jubilant Matthew rushes home to Downton Abbey in the car to tell the family about the new addition to the family.
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Happy... but for how long? Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) is thrilled when his wife Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) gives birth to their son and heir to the Downton estate
Goner! Matthew is killed in a car accident after rushing home to Downton to tell the family about his newborn son
However, on the way back to the estate, his car collides with a van, leaving a bloodied Matthew dead.
Matthew's death comes after weeks of speculation Stevens, 30, would exit the soap as his career began to take off in Hollywood.
Most of the episode centred on the family decamped to Duneagle Castle for their annual trip to Scotland.
Distracted? Matthew is jubilant as he races back to Downton to tell everyone the good news
Accident: After colliding with Matthew's car, the driver and passenger of the van rush to his aid
Set many months after Lady Sybil's death of eclampsia, her widower Tom Branson stays behind to look after Downton and the servants.
In the months that have passed, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) and Matthew have moved past their suspected fertility issues from last series and she is now heavily pregnant with their first child.
Although her father Robert, Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) and husband are incredibly concerned about her, Lady Mary is determined to enjoy her holiday despite her delicate condition.
Another loss for the family: Matthew's death paves the way for actor Dan Stevens' exit
Unaware: While Matthew is dying, his wife Lady Mary is cuddling their son in hospital
However, it doesn't take long before Lady Mary starts feeling the effects of being eight months pregnant and decides to return home to Downton earlier than planned.
Shortly after returning, Lady Mary soon realises the baby is on its way and rushes to hospital with head housemaid Anna Bates.
Matthew and the family are then on a mad rush to get back from Scotland in time for the birth of the Downton heir.
A death foretold: The Dowager says 'we don't always get our just desserts' as Matthew is hurtling to his death
It looks like the pair may finally get their happy ending when a jubilant Matthew is introduced to their son by his wife in her hospital bed.
However, the Dowager Countess (Dame Maggie Smith) appears to tempt fate as she is seen saying: 'We don't always get our just desserts,' as Matthew is seen driving to his death.
Too many Highland flings! Lady Mary decides to cut short her holiday to Scotland after feeling the effects of her pregnancy
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Dan admitted it was 'weird' to be leaving the ITV period drama, but he was looking forward to new roles in the future.
He said: 'It is a desire for freedom really.
'I don’t see money or a particular status as an actor as a goal but I want to do the best work I can in as interesting a range of roles as I can. And I think a moment like this is quite unique and presents those opportunities more than ever before.'
Labour pains: Lady Mary realises Matthew may not get back in time for their baby's birth
His death brought a wave of grief from Downton Abbey fans on Twitter, with many complaining they had barely got used to seeing Lady Mary and Matthew finally together after two series of will-they-won't-they.
Celebrity Downton fans including Dermot O'Leary and Helen Flanagan were also watching at home.
Dermot tweeted: 'Ah s**t bags #cousinmatthew.'
Meanwhile, I'm A Celebrity star Helen wrote: 'Downton no!!!!'
.VIDEO. Downton drama as Matthew is killed and his wife Lady Mary has a baby
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2253201/More-heartbreak-Crawleys-popular-character-dies-Downton-Abbey-Christmas-special.html#ixzz2GCmgb68E
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