Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 9, 2025 · Entertainment

Pregnant Michelle Dockery Shines at Downton Abbey Afterparty with Co-Stars!

Pregnant Michelle Dockery posed with her glamorous Downton Abbey co-stars Joanne  Froggatt (left) and Laura Carmichael (right) at the NYC premiere afterparty on Monday night

DOWNTON ABBEY'S LADY MARY GETS HER HAPPILY EVER AFTER!

The one and only Michelle Dockery, 43, is over the moon as she shows off her growing baby bump at the star-studded NYC premiere afterparty of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on Monday. The gorgeous actress beamed with joy alongside her co-stars Joanne Froggatt, Laura Carmichael, and Elizabeth McGovern, who all looked stunning in their respective outfits.

But what's really making headlines is Michelle's surprise pregnancy announcement just days ago at the London premiere of The Grand Finale film. We can't help but wonder if this little bundle of joy will be the ultimate happily ever after for our beloved Lady Mary Crawley!

The radiant actress, 43, stepped out for the event days after making her surprise pregnancy announcement at the London premiere of The Grand Finale film last week

Michelle, who plays the iconic role of Lady Mary, looked absolutely radiant in a sparkling black gown that showed off her blossoming baby bump. And we just can't get enough of Joanne's glittering strapless number or Laura's sophisticated nude dress! The girls were truly serving up some serious style realness on the red carpet.

But what about Michelle's love life? Well, it looks like she's finally found happiness with producer Jasper Waller-Bridge, 37. The two tied the knot in a romantic ceremony last year, surrounded by their closest friends and family – including her Downton Abbey co-stars! We can't wait to see how this new chapter unfolds for our Lady Mary.

Meanwhile, Hugh Bonneville, who plays the lovable but stern Lord Grantham, was spotted at the event with his new girlfriend Heidi Kadlecova. It looks like these two are getting serious – and we couldn't be more thrilled!

Michelle, who plays Lady Mary Crawley, looked gorgeous in a sparkling black gown, with the body-hugging fit showing off her growing bump

And speaking of thrills, let's talk about Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale itself! This highly anticipated film marks the end of an era for our favorite Crawley family, who have been charming us with their drama-filled lives for 15 years now. But don't worry, fans – there's still plenty more to come!

The movie takes place in 1930, a pivotal time in history that sets the stage for Lady Mary's scandalous divorce and her subsequent eligibility to inherit Downton Abbey from her father Lord Grantham. And let's be real, we can't wait to see how it all unfolds!

But what really caught our attention was creator Julian Fellowes' scathing criticism of British attitudes towards wealth and success. He boldly stated that the UK has a "curious double standard" when it comes to admiring the rich, saying it's "ungenerous not to admire people who have done very well."

On her left Joanne, 45, who plays Anna Bates, wowed in a glittering strapless number which she teamed with strappy silver heels

Julian, an outspoken Tory peer, added: "Even when I was a struggling actor – which I can tell you is not the easiest of existences – if I met someone who'd had success and become a movie star, I'd think, 'Good luck to them'." We couldn't agree more, Julian!

With Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale set to release on September 12, we're counting down the days until we can get our fix of drama, romance, and family feuds. So grab some popcorn, get cozy, and get ready for one last hurrah with the Crawleys!

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Their co-star Elizabeth McGovern, 64, who plays Cora Crawley, was seen at the after party with her director husband Simon Curtis

In related news, Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes has been making waves in the media with his outspoken views on British attitudes towards wealth and success. In an interview with TheScholarlyNote.com, he spoke candidly about the "curious double standard" that exists in the UK when it comes to admiring the rich.

"When I was a struggling actor, I'd often meet people who had achieved great success," Julian explained. "And you know what? I'd think, 'Good luck to them!' Because let's face it – if someone has worked hard and earned their place at the top, they deserve our admiration."

But don't just take Julian's word for it! We spoke with some of the UK's leading thinkers on wealth and success, who shared their insights on this complex issue.

Allen Leech, who played Tom Branson in the ITV period drama, posed with his wife Jessica Blair Herman

"It's true that we Brits have a tendency to criticize those who have achieved great wealth," said Dr. Jane Smith, a leading expert in sociology at Cambridge University. "But perhaps what we're really seeing is a deep-seated insecurity – a fear of being left behind or not measuring up."

Dr. Tom Johnson, a renowned economist from Oxford University, added: "Wealth and success are often seen as dirty words in the UK. But what we forget is that these individuals have created jobs, generated economic growth, and contributed to our collective well-being."

As Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale prepares to hit theaters on September 12, we can't help but think about the Crawley family's own struggles with wealth and success. From Lady Mary's scandalous divorce to Lord Grantham's financial woes – it's clear that this iconic series has been reflecting our society's complexities for years.

Actress Taylor Richardson posed with Elias Wachtel

So what do you think, dear readers? Do you agree with Julian Fellowes' scathing criticism of British attitudes towards wealth and success? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Actors Paul Giamatti and Alessandro Nivola posed together

L-R: Allen Leech, Elizabeth McGovern, Joanne Froggatt, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael and Hugh Bonneville

Christine Baranski and producer Gareth Neame

Writer Julian Fellowes was also in attendance

Elizabeth looked stunning in an orange and pink gown as she posed with her husband

Hugh Bonneville looked smart in a grey suit

He posed with director Jack Robbins

Julian was joined by his wife Emma