Alfred Nugent[1] is Sarah O'Brien's nephew who arrives at Downton Abbey in 1920 after Alfred's mother writes to her sister asking her to help find Alfred a position there, which she does. He works as a footman but lacks "a natural air of confidence and grace" that fellow footman Jimmy Kent has. Alfred replaces Thomas, who has become Valet to Lord Grantham in the absence of John Bates.
Upon his arrival, he is grilled by Mr Carson in the presence of Mrs. Hughes, Thomas Barrow, Sarah O'Brien, and Daisy Mason. Alfred tells Mr Carson "I mean to try" to which Mr Carson replies "As long as you do." He immediately starts working, getting the car door for Sybil Branson and her husband , then again for Martha Levinson , upon their respective arrivals to Downton.
Alfred later admits to his aunt, Sarah, that he feels nervous but she tells him not to worry. Thomas walks by remarking Alfred has no experience. Alfred admits Thomas is right, but Sarah tells Alfred to ignore him, saying he is "not vain like Thomas."
Alfred worked in silver service at a hotel after leaving the army before arriving at Downton Abbey. His repeating this serving style at Downton angers Mr Carson , because that style was never used in a private home. However, he does later help Alfred out, such as telling him which spoons are which. Carson later admits that he respects Alfred, saying that he is good and willing, even if he is O'Brien's nephew.
Alfred takes a fancy to Ivy Stuart and was pursued by Daisy [2] and Miss Reed, who kisses him. Violet Crawley remarks that she thought he was walking on stilts during one dinner after asking him if he was really as tall as he was. Mr Carson himself told Alfred he was too tall to be a footman. In Episode 3.02 he burns a hole in Matthew Crawley 's tails on his suit.
Alfred walks in on Thomas making a sexual advance towards Jimmy Kent, the other footman. He is shocked and his aunt Sarah persuades him to inform Mr Carson and he later phones the police. However, when the police arrive to question Thomas, Lord Grantham persuades him to say that he was mistaken and that he made the phone call when drunk.
Alfred displays an interest in cooking, despite having displayed a total ignorance about food when Mrs. Patmore served Edith Crawley's would-have-been wedding food for the staff supper.