Downton Abbey exec Gareth Neame has hinted that the show will "turn in a whole different direction" in the new series.
The hit period drama's 2012 Christmas special concluded with the shock death of Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens).
Neame told E! Online that Matthew's wife Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) will attempt to "rebuild her life" in the 2013 episodes.
"This is a lesson in something that seems like a really big loss in the moment, but will actually turn into a great opportunity... which it will also be for the show, to take a turn in a whole different direction," he said.
It was recently confirmed by Neame that Dame Maggie Smith will reprise her role as the Dowager Countess in Downton's fourth run.
The new series is expected to debut on ITV in the autumn, with a 2013 festive special to follow this Christmas. In the US, the third series is currently airing on PBS.
