Tom Ellis rules out 'Downton Abbey' role - Is he America's next TV star?

Tom Ellis has stated declaratively that he will not be joining 'Downton Abbey,' despite the rumours circulated to the contrary.

The 'Miranda' star was rumoured to play new love interest of Lady Mary and was said to have been short-listed by producers.

He earlier tweeted: “Ok, so it's been lovely to hear all the congrats for Downton but the truth is I'm not going to be in it...but thank you for your messages xxx”

An ITV source said “It was an absolute no-brainer to get him in for an audition. We know that Tom's got a lot of other options at the moment but if he does get the role it will be an incredible opportunity for him.”

"A lot of the current cast have become global superstars. And it is always a bit of a coup for to attract a major BBC star to a flagship ITV show like 'Downton Abbey.'”

Eliis revealed that he had landed a role in a pilot for the new American TV horror ABC series 'Gothica.' He is to play Victor Frankenstein and will appear with 'Smash' actor Raza Jaffrey.

The show is expected to be a “gothic soap” set in the present day. It will bring together mythology and stories of classic literary figures such as Frankenstein, Dracula and Dorian Gray.