Sneak a peek at Shirley MacLaine in Downton Abbey!

We gave a very unladylike scream that would surely have made the Dowager Countess frown when it was announced the fabulous Shirley MacLaine would be joining Downton Abbey for its upcoming third season – and it looks like we won’t be disappointed!

A sneak peek of the legendary actress’s massively anticipated appearance was screened during a glam American Film Institute tribute to her which aired on US TV last night.

As all Downton fans know, Shirley will star as Martha Levinson, the mother of Lord Grantham’s US-born wife Lady Cora, who is played by Elizabeth McGovern. And appropriately enough it was Shirley’s new on-screen daughter who introduced the clip.

In a tantalising exchange which has made us realise how much we miss our weekly dose of Downton, Shirley’s character is seen meeting the formidable (and frankly amazing) Dowager Countess, played to perfection as always by Dame Maggie Smith.

And it looks like the Dowager Countess will have some competition this season when it comes to the best lines of the episode!

“Oh dear, I’m afraid the war has made old women of us both,” quips Martha, proving in one short sentence why we were right to be so excited about her addition.

We’ll have to wait until the third series airs later this year to see how the relationship between Martha and the Dowager Countess pans out, although Shirley has been dropping a few hints.

She teased TV Guide Magazine by saying the characters’ relationship is “probably not what you think,” and told E! Online the two would clash on an “intellectual level.” Interesting.

Downton Abbey’s third season is slated to air later this year. We can’t wait!