Downton Abbey: New Character Announced for Season 3

Exciting news for Downton Abbey lovers (which I am).

One of the new characters that will be introduced in season 3 is Cora's American mother. She will be played by none other than Shirley MacLaine. Wahoo!

Can you imagine the great scenes there will be between her and Maggie Smith who plays the Dowager Countess? I would love to be on the set just to see those filmed.

How long do we have to wait for season 3?