ABBEY DAYS

HUGH Bonneville has tentatively spoken for the first time about the breakdown of his long marriage - and start of a new relationship in his 60s.

- by NICOLA METHVEN, TV Editor

There was widespread shock two years ago when it was confirmed the actor, best known for his role as the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey and as Mr Brown in the Paddington movies, was splitting from wife Lulu Williams after 25 years.

At the time she was said to have been blindsided by his sudden request for a separation.

But Hugh, who moved out of their home in Midhurst, West Sussex, to a bachelor pad in London's Soho, was soon spotted out on dates, and a few months later had started a serious relationship with teacher-turned-vegan influencer Heidi Kadlecova.

And now, the 62-year-old says he fully appreciates his own good fortune.

"I do feel very blessed and very content to have started a new chapter," he says.

His words may prove hurtful for Lulu who had long supported his acting career and reportedly had no idea their marriage was in trouble.

The couple, who have a son Felix, 22, first met as teenagers and then reconnected in their 30s. They were married in 1998, and in 2018, to celebrate their 20th anniversary, renewed their vows in Las Vegas.