Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes opens up about the need for more black role models on television By Jason Chester Downton Abbey has been met with applause for its decision to include a black character, the very first in its four series run - and creator Julian Fellowes hopes it will open the floodgates for other shows to follow suit. The hugely popular drama returned on September 22 with the much vaunted appearance of sharp-suited jazz singer Jack Ross, played by Gary Carr. But while his presence is a bold move given the show's historical context, 64-year-old Fellowes believes it is necessary - because the black community need to see more positive role models on TV. A sea of change: Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes hopes the introduction of the show's first black character will open the floodgates for other shows to follow suit New face: Gary Carr is charming jazz singer Jack Ross in series four of Downton Abbey "I think the world has been very unjust to black people," he told The Sun. They have had a very rough time. If I was growing up now, I would want to see some winners among that group. I would want to see some positive role models who are getting things done. While the appearance of genial jazzman Ross is a step in the right direction, Fellowes believes we are already starting to see positive changes for British actors of West Indian and African descent in the cinema. That change, Fellowes believes, is easily symbolised by Naomie Harris, who was introduced as the new Miss Moneypenny in Skyfall, currently the highest grossing James Bond film of all time. What Naomie Harris is doing for young black girls out there is really good. I am 100 per cent behind that," he said. Ross, 26, had previously taken on smaller roles in a string of shows, amongst them Death In Paradise and Bluestone 42, before landing a prominent role in the 1920s period drama. Last year Fellowes said he hoped to "open it up ethnically a bit" and revealed he was considering adding a black or Indian character. 'I am 100 per cent behind that': Julian Fellowes is a big fan of Naomie Harris' casting as Miss Moneypenny in James Bond film Skyfall The novelist and screenwriter - whose screenplay for Gosford Park won him an Academy Award - now hopes his presence will be a green-light for other TV shows to follow their lead. He said: "We have got to turn that corner. In ten years nobody will know what we are talking about. That is what I hope. Downton Abbey continues on Sunday, October 20 ITV1. Global hit: Downton Abbey has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2010