How Michelle Dockery Told Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville Her Baby News (Exclusive)

Hugh Bonneville and Michelle Dockery, renowned for their roles in the beloved series Downton Abbey, have always shared a special bond, one that translates beautifully from the screen to real life. Their connection was recently spotlighted when Bonneville spoke to PEOPLE about how Dockery shared her exciting pregnancy news with him before it was publicly announced.

At the New York premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on September 8, Bonneville, who portrays Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, reflected on the rich history he has with Dockery, who plays his onscreen daughter, Lady Mary Crawley. Their relationship has flourished over the years, encompassing a wide range of experiences, from joy to sorrow, mirroring the series’ narrative.

Dockery, 43, recently announced her first pregnancy with husband Jasper Waller-Bridge at the London premiere of The Grand Finale on September 3, where she showcased her baby bump in a stunning dusty blue off-the-shoulder gown. Bonneville expressed how thrilled he was for Dockery and her husband, emphasizing the familial essence of their long-standing relationship. “[Michelle] often texts me as ‘Papa,’ and she very sweetly let me know about her bump a few weeks ago,” he shared, highlighting the affectionate connection they share.

The essence of their bond goes beyond mere co-stars; they have navigated numerous life milestones together over the 15 years of working on Downton Abbey. Bonneville reminisced, “With this show that over these 15 years, we really have been through everything together—births, marriages, deaths, divorces—and we’ve looked out for each other on screen and off.” He reflects on Dockery’s new chapter, remarking, “It’s exciting a bit like the closing of this film. You feel there are new chapters. Well, Michelle is just starting one.”

Bonneville, 61, himself a father to a 25-year-old son, Felix, expressed his unwavering affection for Dockery, affirming that she will “always” be like a daughter to him. This sentiment resonates deeply, as it reflects the close-knit community formed by the Downton Abbey cast and crew. Bonneville remarked on the duality of their relationship: “Michelle and I’ve always been very close… she is the sharper wit of the two.” The nuance in their dynamic has often led to memorable scenes that audiences have cherished over the years.

In sharing anecdotes, Bonneville noted the humorous undertones of their onscreen relationship. He fondly recalled moments when Lady Mary, portrayed by Dockery, seeks advice, presenting herself as a character in need of guidance while simultaneously breaking free from the constraints imposed by her father’s protective nature. Bonneville expressed admiration for Dockery’s character’s resilience, stating, “I think for all her faults and her mistakes, Robert Crawley has really enjoyed seeing her go out there and grab the world, even though she sometimes makes mistakes.”

Reflecting on the series’ end, Bonneville highlighted the bittersweet nature of closure, both for the show and for Dockery entering a new phase of motherhood. He encapsulated the emotional threads that connect their stories: “It’s a wonderful family to be part of, and it’s exciting.” Their chemistry, both on-screen and off, has become a defining aspect of what made Downton Abbey a cultural phenomenon.

As audiences anticipate the release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on September 12, they can expect heartfelt moments and captivating performances that echo the familial ties fostered between the cast. Bonneville, optimistic about the future of both the series and Dockery’s new journey, beckons fans to anticipate the layers of emotion the film promises to deliver.

The story of Dockery revealing her pregnancy may be a personal snapshot, but it also encapsulates the larger narrative of growth and change that characterizes life itself, mirroring the shifting tales depicted within Downton Abbey. Fans, especially those who have followed Dockery and Bonneville’s characters for years, can be thrilled not just about the movie but also about the new beginnings for its stars.

In conclusion, the heartfelt camaraderie shared between Hugh Bonneville and Michelle Dockery transcends their roles within the series. They embody a family bond that fans have cherished, enhancing the overall legacy of Downton Abbey. As Dockery embraces motherhood, Bonneville’s affection and support serve as a beautiful reminder of the familial relationships that can blossom in unexpected places—whether in fiction or reality. With the movie set to premiere soon, audiences are left with a compelling reason to celebrate not only the enduring story of Downton Abbey but also the transformative journeys of its stars.

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