Surprising Behind-the-Scenes Friendships

Life imitated art on the set of Downton Abbey. During their time on the hit ITV show, the cast and crew grew as close-knit as the Crawleys themselves. For instance, actress Laura Carmichael, who played Edith, was a bridesmaid for Michelle Dockery, Lady Mary, at her 2023 wedding to Jasper Waller-Bridge.

Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern, who portrayed Robert and Cora Crawley, share a similarly deep bond off-screen. They regularly plan “reunion suppers” whenever possible, demonstrating the familial closeness that has transcended their TV roles.

Michelle Dockery and Laura Carmichael connected immediately upon meeting. Both from families with three sisters, Dockery, the youngest, and Carmichael, the middle, felt an instant sisterhood. Over six years, starting when Dockery was 27, the two not only formed a strong friendship but also enjoyed bringing their characters’ rivalry to life on screen. Their camaraderie continues, with Carmichael even acting as Dockery’s bridesmaid in her 2023 wedding. The connection is so strong that they have reunited for filming Downton Abbey 3, shooting scenes together at Ripon Racecourse in North Yorkshire.

Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern’s friendship spans beyond Downton Abbey. They’ve collaborated on other projects such as the TV movie “Thursday the 12th” and the series “Freezing.” Reflecting on their friendship, Bonneville shared that they’ve had several reunion dinners and that having been married three times in different TV shows has brought them closer together.

Michelle Dockery has another close friend in cast mate Allen Leech. Leech was instrumental in introducing Dockery to her late fiancé John Dineen. Though Dineen sadly passed away in 2015 due to cancer, Leech continued to support Dockery. He was there for her wedding to Jasper Waller-Bridge and even penned a touching tribute to her in 2022, praising her musical talents alongside their co-star Michael Fox. Leech’s affection for Dockery is evident as he described her as probably being as far from her character Lady Mary as imaginable and showcased pride in her accomplishments.

Maggie Smith and Penelope Wilton also share a bond beyond Downton Abbey, notably appearing together in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Wilton, who plays Isobel Grey, humorously noted that Maggie Smith tends to get all the best lines. However, Wilton cherishes their on-screen arguments and reminisces fondly about working with Smith. Although Smith’s character, Lady Violet Crawley, will not be returning in the third film due to her character’s passing in Downton Abbey: A New Era, Wilton speaks warmly of their shared screen moments.

The off-screen relationships of the Downton Abbey cast provide a touching backdrop to the series’ return to the screen. These real-life friendships mirror the intricate and emotional bonds portrayed within the show, adding an extra layer of depth to the characters and their stories.

Source: Mail Online, Saga