Michelle Dockery Spills on Pregnancy and Downton Abbey’s Final Bow

As a grumpy guru who begrudgingly shares wisdom, rolling my eyes at the obvious but still breaking things down, I’m here to dish out the latest on Michelle Dockery’s pregnancy and the impending finale of Downton Abbey. I’m Kai Montgomery, and I’ll be guiding you through the tea.

Michelle Dockery, the 43-year-old actress who plays Lady Mary Crawley in the hit TV show and movies spinoffs, is pregnant with her first baby, and she’s sharing her thoughts on this new chapter ahead of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. In an interview with Today’s Jenna Bush Hager that aired on September 9, Dockery gushed about becoming a mom, saying, “It certainly feels like a new chapter, in many ways, for all of us. And personally for myself, it’s a new chapter. I’m very excited.”

When Jenna Bush Hager noted that it must be a beautiful time to bring a new baby into the world, Dockery laughed and replied, “Yes, into the Downton family!” It’s clear that Dockery remains close with her Downton Abbey castmates, even off the set. “We’ve become this family and, you know, our friendship continues beyond Downton,” she said. “No one has experienced this bond that we have. It’s really, really special.”

Dockery’s pregnancy comes nearly two years after she married Jasper Waller-Bridge, 37, in a London church surrounded by friends and family, including his older sister Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The mom-to-be recently debuted her baby bump in a powder blue gown at the red carpet premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in London on September 3. This moment was especially significant for Dockery, who plays a mom onscreen in Downton Abbey.

Although Dockery’s character, Lady Mary, isn’t exactly the most nurturing mother, Dockery herself loves kids. In a 2024 interview with The Express, she revealed, “I love kids, but Mary’s not the most natural of mothers. That’s just not who she is—or rather, that’s not how people were in those days.” She further explained, “Lady Mary is an aristocrat, so she doesn’t see her child for more than two hours a day—that’s not the sort of cuddly, cooey relationship I would have with a baby.”

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is set to be released on September 12, and fans are eager to see the conclusion of the beloved series. But before you watch, let’s take a look at some behind-the-scenes secrets about the show. The idea for the period drama loosely came from creator Julian Fellowes’ own upbringing with a diplomat father. Fellowes, who is actually a Baron and a member of the House of Lords, shared that his mother hadn’t been presented as a debutante, which led to some family drama.

The casting process for Downton Abbey was quite extensive, with casting director Jill Trevellick revealing that they “pretty much got all our first choices for every part.” Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, and Dan Stevens were all frontrunners for their respective characters. However, the role of valet John Bates was a bit harder to cast, with Brendan Coyle ultimately landing the job after over 60 actors were considered.

One of the most shocking moments in Downton Abbey history came when Matthew Crawley, the series’ dashing male lead, was killed in the season three finale. Dan Stevens, who played Matthew, recalled that there were many upset fans demanding apologies after his character’s departure.

As Downton Abbey comes to a close, Michelle Dockery is embarking on a new journey as a mom. With her husband Jasper Waller-Bridge by her side, she’s sure to navigate this new chapter with ease. And as for Downton Abbey, fans will have to wait and see how the series concludes.

In conclusion, Michelle Dockery’s pregnancy and Downton Abbey’s finale have everyone talking. Will the show end on a high note, or will fans be left wanting more? One thing’s for sure: Michelle Dockery is ready for her next role as a mom.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and Today, The Express, E! News
Attribution: Downton Abbey costumes at Tjolöholms Slott, Sweden 02 — Toxophilus (CC BY-SA 4.0) (OV)