It has been over a decade since the final series of Downton Abbey aired on ITV. The historical drama, set between 1912 and 1926, chronicled the lives of the Crawley family and their servants on the fictional Yorkshire estate. The show ran for six series and became one of ITV's highest-rated dramas, spawning three film adaptations: Downton Abbey (2019), Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022), and Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (2025). Fans can still watch repeats on streaming service ITVX.
Michelle Dockery's Role and Career
Essex-born actress Michelle Dockery, now 44, portrayed Lady Mary Crawley throughout all six series and the three films. Initially a cold and bad-tempered character, Lady Mary evolved to show vulnerability and compassion. She endured dramatic storylines, including the death of her husband Matthew after the birth of their son, and later married racing driver Henry Talbot. Dockery received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, including Best Actress at the Golden Globe Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards.
After Downton Abbey, Dockery starred in the sci-fi thriller Self/less and appeared in Guy Ritchie's The Gentleman (2019) alongside Matthew McConaughey and Charlie Hunnam. Her other credits include Good Behaviour, Godless, Family Guy, This Town, and Defending Jacob.
Personal Life and Famous Sister-in-Law
Dockery married Jasper Waller-Bridge in September 2023 at St Nicholas' Church in Chiswick. Guests included Mamma Mia actress Lily James and Downton Abbey co-stars Hugh Bonneville and Lesley Manville. Jasper Waller-Bridge is the younger brother of award-winning writer and actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge, best known for creating and starring in the comedy series Fleabag.
Downton Abbey: A New Era on ITV
ITV is broadcasting the second film, Downton Abbey: A New Era, tonight. The synopsis reads: "The Crawley family goes on a journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the dowager countess's newly-inherited villa and, back home in the UK, a film production company wants to use Downton to shoot a silent film. Robert questions his true parentage when the Marquis de Montmiral implies they could be half-brothers. Drama, starring Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter and Michelle Dockery." The film airs Sunday at 6.30pm on ITV1.
