AceShowbiz -

A sneak peek to Shirley MacLaine's debut on "Downton Abbey" was shared during the American Film Institute's tribute to the actress on Sunday, June 24. Presented by Elizabeth McGovern, the clip features a conversation between MacLaine's Martha Levinson and the Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith) as the former visits Downton Abbey again.

"Oh dear, I'm afraid the war has made old women of us both," Martha tells the countess, who clearly disagrees with her. Asked how she sees Downton Abbey upon her return, the mother of Lady Cora says, "Oh it's the same really, probably too much the same but then I don't want to cast a ball over all the happiness."

MacLaine's character has been described as "a wonderful combatant for Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess." The Academy Award winner joins the cast of the Julian Fellowes-created drama in its third season, which will premiere in 2013 in the United States.

Also added to the cast ensemble is "War Horse" actor Matt Milne who will play a footman named Alfred, the nephew of O'Brien.