First look: George Clooney visits "Downton Abbey"

"Downton Abbey" fans are now getting their first look at George Clooney's upcoming appearance on the hit British series for a holiday charity special.

ITV unveiled a short (and we do mean short -- it's just 8 seconds long) teaser clip showing the actor at the Crawley estate, wearing a dapper three-piece suit and looking very tan.

There's no indication of what character he's playing, but Lady Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) comes up from behind and addresses him as "dearest," perhaps mistaking him for her husband, Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville).

The special, part of ITV's "Text Santa" charity appeal, will air on Dec. 19. "Downton Abbey," meanwhile, returns in the U.S. for its fifth season Jan. 4 on PBS.