BAFTA celebrates Downton Abbey
As Downton Abbey is honoured, Hugh Bonneville reflects on how the show has 'quietly waved the flag for Britain abroad'.
PT2M14S 620 349Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery has cut short a promotional tour in the US after the death of her fiance in Ireland over the weekend.
Her partner of two years, public relations executive John Dineen, 34, had reportedly been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and was staying at a hospice in Cork.
John Dineen and Michelle Dockery at a gala in London in November 2013. Photo: Ben Pruchnie/Centrepoint
According to the Irish Examiner, Dineen had been unwell "for some time".
The pair were introduced by Dockery's Downton Abbey co-star Allen Leech in 2013.
The notoriously private actress spoke about their relationship in an interview in 2014, describing Dineen as "a wonderful man".
Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary on Downton Abbey.
In a statement after his passing on Sunday, Dockery said she appreciated the support but wanted to grieve privately.
"The family is very grateful for the support and kindness they have received but would kindly request that they are left to grieve in private."
The actress, who turned 34 yesterday, was in the US last week with her Downton Abbey co-stars promoting the show's final season, but flew home to be with Dineen.
Just days ago Dockery appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and looked to be in high spirits.
She had been due to star in a West End production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses in October but unexpectedly pulled out. At the time, she gave no reason for her departure.
Dockery's Downton Abbey character Lady Mary Crawley suffered a similar loss on the show after her husband died in a car accident in season three.
Speaking to Red Magazine just weeks ago, Dockery described Dineen as a source of support after she became a household name.
"I've got people around me who I can turn to for advice: my mum, and my partner, John. But, at this stage, my instincts are pretty good."
A private funeral will reportedly be held in Cork on Wednesday.
