From Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley to Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes, there have been many relationships on Downton Abbey that have captured the hearts of viewers over six seasons and two films.
But what may surprise fans is that there are a number of real-life couples of Downton Abbey, some married before the show and others finding romance on set.
Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton
Jim Carter, who plays Charles Carson, the long-time butler of the Crawley family has been married to British actress, Imelda Staunton (The Crown, Harry Potter) since 1983. Staunton joined the Downton Abbey family in the first feature film, playing the first cousin of Robert Crawley’s late father, Maud Bagshaw.
Speaking exclusively to MiNDFOOD in the May 2022 issue, Carter said the latest film, Downton Abbey: A New Era, gave them a unique opportunity to work together. “It was a treat to work together and come home together. It’s something we haven’t really done before so it was really nice.”
Director Simon Curtis and Elizabeth McGovern
Elizabeth McGovern, who plays Cora Crawley, has been married to director Simon Curtis since 1992 and they share two children together. Curtis took over the reins from Michael Engler to direct A New Era and has previously worked with Maggie Smith in David Copperfield and Jim Carter in Cranford.
Laura Carmichael and Michael C. Fox
Laura Carmichael and Michael C. Fox sparked a romance after meeting on the show. Carmichael plays Lady Edith and Fox plays footman Andrew Parker, who first appeared in the fifth season of Downton Abbey. The two have been dating for a number of years now and according to a report by The Sun, welcomed their first baby together in March 2021, named Luca.
Fox has also struck up a creative partnership with Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary). The pair started writing and playing music on set together and have since signed a record deal with plans to release an EP.
View this post on Instagram
Phyllis Logan and Kevin McNally
Phyllis Logan plays Mrs Hughes was joined by her real-life husband Kevin McNally in seasons two and three of Downton Abbey, who played wealthy visitor Horace Bryant.
