The Chew opened their holiday kitchen to some early twentieth century aristocracy on Tuesday.

Hugh Bonneville, who stars as Lord Grantham on the hit Masterpiece drama Downton Abbey, joined the Chew Crew to shuck oysters and talk life with the Crawleys (see video below).

Although Bonneville is quick to admit that cooking isn't his expertise, the Brit helped Clinton Kelly and Daphne Oz whip up a dish from the American aristocracy, Oysters Rockefeller.

In-between sautéing the onions and waiting for the spinach to wilt, the actor dished on the world of Downton as its fourth season comes to the States.

"This season really is about Lady Mary regrouping, or the house regrouping around Lady Mary," Bonneville said of Michelle Dockery's character, who is still reeling from the death of Matthew (Dan Stevens). "It does mean some gorgeous men come galloping over the horizon to try and convince her to marry her, so we have some hunks coming in midway through the season."

While assuring fans that Lord Grantham will be alive and well through this year despite the series' propensity for sudden character deaths, Bonneville informed viewers that he never imagined that Downton would become an international hit.

"When I read it I just thought, 'Wow, I want to know what happens next,'" the actor explained. "I can only assume that's what's translated through production to the audience - that they want to know what happens next and they like the characters."

The Chew airs weekdays at 1 p.m. ET on ABC. Season 4 of Downton Abbey will premiere Jan. 5 on PBS' Masterpiece.