A Christmas miracle for Lady Mary? Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery spotted heading out on a lunch date with her husband – and a blossoming baby bump

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For 15 years, she portrayed the famous Lady Mary in the popular ITV period drama, Downton Abbey, and its follow-up movies.

Michelle Dockery will soon be starring in a very different kind of part.

The 43-year-old actress, expecting her first child, was seen enjoying a casual lunch with her husband, Jasper Waller-Bridge.

The star looked comfortable and at ease, sporting a large red and black coat and a red wool hat, while laughing and talking with their partner before dining at The River Cafe in West London.

Michelle met Jasper, a 38-year-old television producer and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s brother, in 2019. They were set up by friends who knew them both.

Michelle and her partner got married in September 2023 with a glamorous guest list. Several of her former Downton Abbey co-stars attended, including Lily James and Hugh Bonneville. Laura Carmichael, who played her sister on the show and served as a bridesmaid, was also there to celebrate.

In September, at the London premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, Michelle announced she and Jasper are expecting their first child. She showed off her baby bump in a soft blue dress at the event.

When asked about leaving her role, Michelle explained that she doesn’t feel like she’ll ever truly say goodbye to her character, Mary, or the show, Downton Abbey.

I’ll always cherish my time with Mary and everyone involved with Downton Abbey. We became like a family, and in a way, that connection will never fade.

Michelle has not confirmed when the baby – her first – is due.

She was previously engaged to PR director John Dineen, who died from a rare form of cancer in 2015.

She’ll next play Alexandra Shulman, a columnist for The Mail on Sunday and former editor of British Vogue, in a new biographical drama called The Queen of Fashion. The film tells the story of fashion stylist Isabella Blow.

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2025-11-23 03:18