Pregnant Michelle Dockery Reacts to Baby Joining Downton Abbey Family

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As Downton Abbey comes to an end, Michelle Dockery is preparing for another role of a lifetime.

As a dedicated soon-to-be mother of my first child at the age of 43, I’d like to express my feelings about embarking on this new journey in life. This comes just before the highly anticipated release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

In her interview with Jenna Bush Hager on Today, airing September 9, the actress who portrays Lady Mary Crawley expressed that this feels like a fresh start, not just for the show and its spinoffs, but also for herself personally. She’s thrilled about the new phase she’s entering.

After Jenna remarked that it seems like a wonderful moment to welcome a newborn into the family, Dockery replied, chuckling, “Indeed, into our very own ‘Downton’ family!

Indeed, the tight-knit group is one the longtime cast member remains close with even off the set. 

She remarked, ‘Through it all, we’ve formed something like a family, and our connection extends past Downton. There isn’t anyone who has shared the unique bond we’ve forged. It’s truly extraordinary and very heartwarming.’

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but excitedly share the news that Michelle, our beloved star, is expecting a new addition to her family! Almost two years ago, she exchanged vows with the charming Jasper Waller-Bridge, now 37, in a heartwarming London church ceremony attended by friends, family, and even his esteemed sister Phoebe. The magical moment was captured when Michelle gracefully flaunted her baby bump at the red carpet premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in London on September 3, standing proudly beside her devoted husband. What a joyous time for this fabulous couple!

In a very touching instance, Michelle (the actress who plays a mother on ‘Downton Abbey’) experienced something extraordinary. However, it’s worth noting that her parenting style on screen differs from her own off-screen.

In a conversation with The Express back in 2024, she expressed, “I adore children, but Mary doesn’t come across as the most instinctive mother. She simply isn’t cut out for it – or, more accurately, that wasn’t how people were during those times.

According to Michelle’s explanation, Lady Mary, being an aristocrat, spends less than two hours a day with her child, unlike the close, affectionate bond one might expect from a caring parent and a newborn.

Prepare for the grand conclusion of Downton Abbey, airing on September 12th! Before you settle in to catch the final episode, delve into these 15 fascinating behind-the-scenes secrets about the series.

The basis for the period drama was partially inspired by creator Julian Fellowes’ unique upbringing, shaped by a diplomat father. As he shared with Closer magazine, his family life held its own share of dramatic twists. “My mother hadn’t gone through the traditional presentation ceremony,” he elaborated, “she wasn’t considered a debutante.” His great aunts believed she had ‘stolen’ my father away and never fully accepted her. However, they eventually tolerated her due to the birth of four healthy sons, fulfilling the family’s expected lineage.

2. Oh, did we mention Fellowes is actually a Baron and a member of the House of Lords? 

3. “As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but gush over the fact that we nailed our top picks for each role! Jill Trevellick, the casting director, spilled the beans to Backstage, revealing that none other than the brilliant Maggie Smith, the suave Hugh Bonneville, the captivating Michelle Dockery, and the talented Dan Stevens were the preferred choices for their characters. They were truly the frontrunners!

4. Finding the ideal actor for the role of valet John Bates proved to be quite challenging, as the studio considered over 60 actors before eventually offering the part to Brendan Coyle. The studio had reservations about Coyle’s suitability for the role due to a very particular reason.

Trevellick mentioned that Brendan was considered for the role from the start. Julian wrote this part specifically with Brendan in mind after seeing him in ‘North and South.’ He felt Brendan was perfect for the part. Initially, there were some reservations about Brendan at the broadcast level, not due to any dislike for Brendan, but because he had previously starred in a period drama that they feared might air simultaneously on a competing channel. However, after persistent efforts, these concerns were eventually alleviated.

Six weeks later, they were able to offer Coyle the part.

5. The first shocking moment for Downton Abbey viewers occurred when Matthew Crawley, the show’s charismatic leading man, was fatally wounded in the season 3 finale. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly about his departure at the conclusion of a three-year contract, creator Julian Fellowes stated that there were many displeased individuals requesting apologies.

Personally, after being deeply immersed in a long-lasting television series like Downton Abbey, I’ve come to realize that it’s now time for me to seek new avenues of stimulation and growth. The experience was extraordinary in countless ways, but I find myself drawn towards fresh challenges and sources of amusement.

6. During an interview with TopMob News, Fellowes explained that Steven himself decided not to come back for season four, which ultimately resulted in the character’s unexpected departure.

In America, contracts are often lengthy. So, it appeared to him that the production team had abruptly decided something without notice. However, in reality, the individual had reached the end of his three-year contract and desired new opportunities. We needed to find a way to make it work. Some of the letters he received were so shocking they sent chills down one’s spine!

7. Despite the tragic demise of Matthew, viewers remained undeterred, with the season four premiere setting new rating milestones, garnering an impressive viewership of 10.2 million.

If Stevens had informed Fellowes earlier about his decision to depart the series, he stated that he would have altered Lady Sybil’s departure scene: “Perhaps I would have had them both perish in a tragic car accident instead.

Highclere Castle served as the setting for the popular TV show Downton Abbey. This 17th century estate has since grown to be one of Britain’s top tourist attractions. In an extraordinary twist, it was briefly listed on Airbnb, offering two devoted fans the opportunity to spend a night within its grand 100,000 square-foot walls. This unique experience took place prior to the series’ movie premiere in September 2019.

10. The historical consultant for the show mentioned in an interview with Travel + Leisure that the renters might have encountered a ghost, given the widespread paranormal rumor about it.

Alastair Bruce shared that his cousin, the Countess of Carnarvon (known as Jean Margaret Herbert), appeared pale when he discussed the opening sequence of the show. In this scene, Daisy rouses the household, everyone begins cleaning, and the Earl of Grantham descends the stairs. As Mrs. Hughes moves about, the camera zeroes in on her waist belt laden with keys, causing Jean to turn white due to a resident ghost at the house. This apparition was once the housekeeper, as evidenced by the constant jingling of the keys.

11. Despite “Lady Edith Crawley” being her most recognized role, Laura Carmichael nearly skipped the audition for the series.

Due to her role in a traveling adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” Carmichael confided in the Tribune News Service that she initially believed the part would require only a few lines and minimal filming, but she was eager to add television work to her resume. She found herself facing a dilemma: turning down an appealing Shakespeare production for a TV job seemed disheartening.

In 2012, it was Gillian Anderson who initially declined the role of Lady Cora Crawley. However, Elizabeth McGovern eventually took on the part, portraying the transformed American heiress into the Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey.

13. According to Vanity Fair, Queen Elizabeth II was quite fond of the show and enjoyed checking its facts for amusement. “She enjoys pointing out errors,” claimed Brian Hoey, author of At Home with the Queen, to People. Prince William is said to be a viewer of the series as well, according to Allan Leech, one of its stars.

He grasped his hand and responded, “‘I’m quite fond of the series,’ he mentioned, ‘Ever since our newborn baby arrived,'” Leech shared on Watch What Happens Live in 2013. “Apparently, he has a fair amount of free time now, so [Kate Middleton] must be making him catch up on it. ‘You’ll watch it with me!’

14. Smith, who played Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, admitted to never watching the series.

She shared with The Telegraph that she plans to assess her work only after everything is concluded, possibly due to its frustrating nature. In her own words, she often finds herself wishing to change aspects and questioning why she made certain decisions while working on it.

15. Since the genre was period drama, the main actresses frequently donned corsets beneath their outfits, as stated by the head costume designer Susannah Buxton, causing “authentic issues.

In simpler terms, she said to The Mirror, “It was an awful experience for them. They felt extremely uneasy. It takes some getting used to, and naturally, the actresses weren’t accustomed to it. The costumes were so tight that they couldn’t even eat while wearing them.

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2025-09-11 20:17