Downton Abbey star marries Phoebe Waller-Bridge's brother after fiance's death
Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery has tied the knot with Jasper Waller-Bridge, brother of Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
The actress, who played Lady Mary Crawley in the ITV period drama, married her new husband in London today, with the happy couple snapped as they left a church after saying 'I do' in front of their loved ones. Bride Michelle opted for a chic and simple satin gown to walk down the aisle earlier today.
Jasper, younger brother of award-winning writer Phoebe, opted for a traditional three-piece navy blue suit for his big day - beaming as he left the church with his new wife. Celebrity guests included Mamma Mia actress Lily James and Michelle's Downton Abbey co-star Joanne Froggatt. Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville, Lesley Manville and Lesley Nicol - the actress who played Mrs Patmore - were also spotted watching the happy couple tie the knot.
Proud big sister Phoebe was also in attendance, with the Fleabag star donning a huge diamond ring on her engagement finger as she watched her sibling tie the knot alongside her partner Martin McDonagh. Phoebe was the one to lead the rest of the wedding congregation to the church following a pre-ceremony drink at the nearby George and Devonshire pub earlier today.
Michelle's happy day comes seven years on from the heartbreaking death of her fiance, Irish publicist John Dineen. John sadly passed away in 2015, 15 months on from first being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer aged 34. Michelle and John became engaged in 2013 but sadly never made it down the aisle.
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According to The Irish Times, Michelle gave an emotional eulogy at her late partner's funeral, saying: "I was honored to know John. To love him and be loved by him. He was my friend, my king, my hero, my everything. We celebrate him, we honor him and we will miss him."
Michelle with John at the Winter Whites Gala in aid of Centrepoint at Kensington Palace on November 26, 2013 (Getty Images Europe)
The Downton Abbey actress considered herself a widow following her fiance's death (Richard Young/REX/Shutterstock)Speaking during a rare interview in 2017, two years on from John's death, Michelle explained how she considered herself to be a widow despite never officially marrying John. "We were engaged, and married at heart," Michell told the Guardian, "so [yes,] I do consider myself a widow."
Michelle managed to find love again in 2019, meeting her now husband Jasper through mutual friends after spending time together at the Rome film festival. It's thought the Downton Abbey actress was already friends with her now sister-in-law Phoebe prior to beginning a romance with Jasper.
Jasper and Michelle announced their engagement via a formal announcement in The Times newspaper in January 2022. It read: "The engagement is announced between Jasper, son of Michael Waller-Bridge of King's Lynn, Norfolk, and Teresa Waller-Bridge of Battersea, London, and Michelle Dockery, younger daughter of Michael and Lorraine Dockery of Gidea Park, Essex."
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