It seems like there might be hope for Anna and Mr. Bates on Downton Abbey, but it won't happen right away.

Anna & Bates To Have 'A Lot Of Drama' On 'Downton Abbey'

On Sunday, Variety shared an interview with executive producer Gareth Neame who gave the impression that things might get better for the two characters in the final season of the British drama. But there will still be more challenges they'll have to come across.

"They've just been the ultimate star-crossed lovers on the show and I've got to say that we're going to put them through a few more hurdles before we bring them into land in the series," Neame said. "They've got a few more obstacles to get around."

Are Carson & Mrs. Hughes Going To Finally Have Sex On 'Downton Abbey?'

The producer also explained why he and the crew members decided to bring Lady Rose back for the final episodes.

"We brought Lily [James who plays Rose] back because [her character] is a member of the family and probably would travel backward and forward," Neame said. "She's obviously a popular character and Lily herself is a star now. We thought it would be popular for our fans to have a lot of the much-loved characters return over the course of the last season."

Another returning character that fans will see is Tom Branson.

The sixth and last season of Downton Abbey premieres in the United States on Sunday, January 3 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS.

Tags: Downtown Abbey television PBS