Michelle Dockery is engaged to her long-term boyfriend John Dineen, according to new reports. The Downton Abbey star is said to be ecstatic about her recent engagement and is preparing to plan the wedding of her dreams.
Michelle, who plays straight-talking Lady Mary Crawley on the ITV period drama, broke the news to her fellow cast members by debuting her beautiful new diamond ring.
"She's over the moon and was showing it off to all of the cast and crew," a source told The Sun. "It's wonderful news and everyone is delighted. She and John make a lovely couple."
© Photo: Getty ImagesMichelle Dockery and John Dineen have been together since September 2013
They added: "Michelle is happier now than she's ever been. She knows that this relationship is for keeps and she is so excited."
The actress and the financial PR are believed to have started dating in September 2013 after they were introduced by Allen Leech, who plays chauffeur Tom Branson on the series.
At the time Michelle, 33, said: "I have a wonderful man in my life from Ireland. We were introduced by Allen Leech. That's all you need to know!"
A friend of John, who is a senior director with FTI Consulting, also said: "He is very private and softly spoken but he has really been taken by Michelle. Friends have joked that they must have also been drawn together because of their Irish connections."
© Photo: Getty ImagesDownton Abbey star Michelle Dockery is 'happier now than she's ever been'
Michelle, who has previously been linked to Holby City actor Joseph Millson, is doing much better than her unlucky-in-love on-screen character.
Lady Mary has had a troublesome time in the past, with her first husband dying in a car crash and the latest series showing the brunette beauty torn between two love interests, Charles Blake and Lord Gillingham.
While rumours surfaced that Michelle would be leaving Downton last year, the actress, who has been on the show since its 2010 debut, was quick to set the record straight. "It amuses me more than anything because it's all speculation, and I think it's down to the fact the show has such popularity. But no, I'm here 'til the end, whenever that may be," Michelle told the Hollywood Reporter.
