The Footman's Scandal: 5 Shocking Facts About Jimmy Kent's Downton Abbey Exit And What Ed Speleers Is Doing Now

Jimmy Kent, the charming and ambitious footman who arrived at Downton Abbey in Series 3, quickly became one of the most talked-about characters below stairs. His youthful good looks and easy-going nature made him a favorite among the staff, but his presence also ignited one of the show’s most complex and heartbreaking storylines, culminating in a dramatic exit that fans still discuss today. As of December 2025, the character’s legacy remains a pivotal moment in the show's exploration of social and sexual politics in 1920s Britain.

The actor who brought Jimmy Kent to life, Ed Speleers, has since become a major star in blockbuster movies and hit TV series, proving that his departure from the stately home was just the beginning of a remarkable career. This article dives deep into the footman's dramatic arc, the real-world historical context of his scandal, and where you can see the actor now in new, high-profile roles.

Edward Speleers: Full Biography and Profile

The charismatic actor who embodied the role of James "Jimmy" Kent is Edward John Speleers. His professional career has been marked by a knack for landing high-profile, often challenging roles across fantasy, historical drama, and modern thrillers.

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• Full Name: Edward John Speleers
• Date of Birth: April 7, 1988
• Place of Birth: Chichester, West Sussex, England
• Years Active: 2006–Present
• Notable Roles: Eragon (Eragon), Jimmy Kent (Downton Abbey), Stephen Bonnet (Outlander), Rhys Montrose (You), Sanguis-Vampire (Vampire Academy)
• Career Start: Speleers gained international recognition early in his career after landing the title role in the 2006 fantasy film Eragon, beating out over 180,000 applicants for the part.
• Personal Life: He is married to costume designer Asia Macey, and the couple shares two children, a son and a daughter.
• Awards & Nominations: Speleers has been nominated for several awards, including the Saturn Awards for Best Young Actor.

Speleers' work on Downton Abbey, though relatively brief, proved to be a critical stepping stone, showcasing his ability to handle subtle drama and complex character dynamics, particularly opposite co-star Rob James-Collier (Thomas Barrow).

The Tumultuous Arc of Jimmy Kent: From Charming Footman to Scandalous Exit

Jimmy Kent was introduced in Series 3, quickly becoming the handsome new face in the downstairs hierarchy. His arrival immediately set the stage for tension and drama, primarily due to the intense, unrequited affection of the First Footman, Thomas Barrow.

The Thomas Barrow Conflict and O’Brien’s Manipulation

The core of Jimmy’s early storyline revolved around Thomas Barrow’s desperate and dangerous infatuation. Thomas, whose homosexuality was a closely guarded secret—and a criminal offense in 1920s Britain—misinterpreted Jimmy’s casual friendliness as a sign of mutual interest.

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This situation was ruthlessly exploited by the malicious lady’s maid, Sarah O’Brien. Seeking revenge on Thomas, O’Brien suggested to Thomas that Jimmy had feelings for him, knowing this was a lie and would lead to a disastrous confrontation.

The resulting incident saw Thomas attempt to kiss Jimmy while he was sleeping. Jimmy, shocked and disgusted, threatened to report Thomas to Mr. Carson, the butler. This act of desperation by Thomas could have led to his imprisonment, highlighting the severe social and legal risks faced by gay men during the era.

Ultimately, Thomas was saved from prosecution by the intervention of Lord Grantham, who protected him primarily to avoid a scandal that would tarnish the family name, rather than out of genuine sympathy for Thomas's situation. Jimmy, meanwhile, remained oblivious to the depth of Thomas's inner turmoil and the danger they were both in.

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The Lady Anstruther Scandal and Final Departure

Jimmy’s own carelessness eventually led to his downfall in Series 5. After being promoted to First Footman, his vanity and ambition led him to pursue a relationship with a married noblewoman, Lady Anstruther, who was a guest at the Abbey.

Lord Grantham discovered Jimmy in bed with Lady Anstruther, a scandal that was far more socially acceptable for a footman than Thomas’s earlier offense, but still a clear breach of conduct. Lord Grantham instructed Carson to dismiss Jimmy immediately.

Before his departure, Jimmy had a surprisingly tender moment with Thomas Barrow, marking a quiet resolution to their fraught relationship. This "heartfelt farewell" showed a side of Jimmy that was perhaps less superficial than initially portrayed, acknowledging their shared history and the unique bonds of the downstairs staff.

Jimmy Kent left Downton Abbey in 1924, seeking work elsewhere. He was one of the few main characters who did not return for the subsequent Downton Abbey films, a fact the actor himself confirmed, noting he was never asked to reprise the role.

Ed Speleers’ Explosive Career After Downton Abbey (2024/2025 Updates)

While Jimmy Kent’s story ended in 1924, Ed Speleers' career has accelerated dramatically in the years since he left the show. His post-Downton work has demonstrated an impressive range, moving from period drama to major genre roles.

From Footman to Outlander’s Villain

Speleers’ transition to the role of Stephen Bonnet in the hit historical fantasy series Outlander was a major career shift. Bonnet was a brutal, charismatic pirate and antagonist, a stark contrast to the naive footman Jimmy Kent. This role cemented Speleers' reputation as an actor capable of playing complex, dark characters.

Following Outlander, he joined the cast of the Netflix thriller series You for its fourth season, playing Rhys Montrose, a wealthy, aspiring politician and the true villain of the series. This performance was widely praised for its intensity and psychological depth.

2024 and 2025: Speleers’ Newest High-Profile Projects

The actor's career remains on an upward trajectory with several recent and upcoming projects that place him firmly in the contemporary spotlight:

1. Irish Wish (2024): Speleers starred opposite Lindsay Lohan in the Netflix romantic comedy Irish Wish, which was released globally in March 2024. He played James Thomas, the male lead, demonstrating his versatility by taking on a lighthearted, romantic role after a string of intense villains.

2. Wind of Change (Upcoming): Speleers has been cast in the upcoming musical biographical film Wind of Change, which tells the story of the German rock band Scorpions. He is set to star alongside actors like Ludwig Trepte and Alexander Dreymon.

3. Star Trek: Picard: He also had a notable role in the third and final season of Star Trek: Picard, playing Jack Crusher, the son of Jean-Luc Picard and Beverly Crusher. This move into the iconic science fiction franchise further broadened his appeal to a global audience.

Ed Speleers' journey from the polished floors of Downton Abbey to the vast landscapes of Scotland and the final frontier of *Star Trek* is a testament to his talent and ambition. While Jimmy Kent remains a memorable part of the *Downton* legacy, the actor's current success ensures he is one of the most exciting British talents to watch in the coming years.