ACTOR Hugh Bonneville was seen smiling at a star-studded wedding ceremony eight days ago – without his wedding ring.
Just a week later, it was confirmed that the Downton Abbey star (59) had split from his wife Lulu (55).
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Hugh Bonneville divorced his wife of 25 years Credit: Rex
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Lucinda ‘Lulu’ Williams has been with the actor on film sets throughout his careerCredit: Rex
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Hugh shot to fame playing the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey Credits: PA: Press Association
A source said: “It’s clear that Lulu feels like 20 years of marriage doesn’t count for anything.”
Hugh was a guest at the wedding of Downton Abbey co-star Michelle Dockery, 41, and Jasper Waller-Bridge — brother of Fleabag creator Phoebe — last Saturday.
However, unlike the other actors, Hugh did not bring his partner.
Yesterday, Hugh’s spokesman confirmed that the couple – who have been married for 25 years and share a family home in West Sussex – had split.
A source said: “It’s a shame as they are known locally as a very social couple.
“Hugh has been away from home a lot this year filming.
“This summer he lost a little weight, he looked trim, tanned and relaxed.”
Just five years ago, the couple marked their 20th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows at Graceland Chapel in Las Vegas.
The couple regularly attended red carpet events, and Lulu was by Hugh’s side on film sets.
They were last seen in public together in April at a gala dinner for The Old Vic Theater in London.
On May 7, Hugh – who regularly mingled with members of the royal family – was still wearing his gold wedding ring when he hosted King Charles’ coronation concert at Windsor Castle, watched by more than 12 million BBC viewers.
He and Lulu met as teenagers, lost touch, and then finally sealed their love in their thirties – with a little help from his mother, Patricia.
Hugh said: “Lulu ran a canopy company . . . my mother called her to hire some chairs or something and said, ‘Remember Hugh?’ and so we reconnected.
“It pissed me off that I had to give my mom a lot of credit for re-introducing us.”
He was also quick to publicly praise Lulu as his “foundation” and “anchor.”
The couple married in November 1998, and he later admitted: “For years I thought I was going to be a bachelor.”
Speaking in 2012, Lulu admitted she was unfazed by Hugh’s fame.
She said, “I’m not paying attention. I don’t notice that his women are fond of him — although I know everyone is talking about it.
“Don’t forget, we met as teenagers and have a lot of history. We are not confused by the glitter of the world of show business.
“We’re just home-loving people and we’re not in the habit of going out to celebrity parties.
“Actually, I don’t have a job, but my hobby is hanging out at car boot sales, buying trinkets, redecorating and reselling.”
Hugh, who also stars in the Paddington film franchise, has been signed to appear in the third installment of Paddington in Peru, which officially began production this year.
It was halted by the ongoing SAG-AFTRA actors’ strikes.
Next Sunday, Hugh is due to perform at the Battle of Britain Royal Gala at The Royal Air Force Club in west London.
The actor, who starred in BBC1 drama The Gold this year, has been joined by Lulu on set before, including in 2013 when he filmed The Monuments Men with George Clooney in Cambridgeshire.
Last year he published a best-selling autobiography, Playing Under the Piano: From Downton to Darkest Peru, and revealed that Lulu had been married before.
In 2009, Hugh admitted that Lulu played a key role in motivating him to lose weight when she said he was “as fat as a pig”.
To get back in shape, he hired personal trainers who put him on a strict diet and fitness regimen that led to a 16lb weight loss.
Hugh’s broken heart
He said, “I’m often the guy who doesn’t get the girl.”
In 2016, Hugh dedicated a love song to Lulu on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs album — Dream A Little Dream by Mama Cass.
In 2019, the royal family appointed the actor as Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex.
Speaking about the appointment at the time, he said: “It’s nice because in my district where I live and do a lot of things like visiting schools and reading Paddington. It’s basically the same thing, but just with a badge. I am very honored.”
Hugh, who has played Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, since Downton launched in 2010, previously revealed the royals are fans of the period drama.
Kate, Princess of Wales, called to see the cast at Ealing Studios as they wrapped up the final series, and they were also visited by Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
Hugh praised the key role Lulu played in running their household and looking after their beloved son Felix, now 20, while he enjoyed TV and film fame.
The winner said: “Lulu’s priority was to be a support for Felix and me and I am totally in her debt.”
The couple would walk their Tibetan terriers, Teddy and Sasha, around the South Downs and spend weekends entertaining friends with late-night karaoke and meals prepared by Lulu.
She would tease Hugh that he was a “luvvie” – her favorite nickname for him.
During the pandemic, they volunteered as marshals at their local vaccine center.
Hugh once told the newspaper: “I had girlfriends, but settling down was the last thing on my mind.
“Then you meet someone and you think, ‘This is the person I want to be with.’ We had a history together.
“That helps when you’re in the long haul.”
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Hugh was pictured wearing his wedding ring at the King’s Coronation Concert in MayCredit: PA
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Hugh’s ring went missing when he attended a wedding Credit: Splash last week
In 2009, Hugh admitted that Lulu played a key role in motivating him to lose weight when she said he was “as fat as a pig”.
To get back in shape, he hired personal trainers who put him on a strict diet and fitness regimen that led to a 16lb weight loss.
He said, “I’m often the guy who doesn’t get the girl.”
In 2016, Hugh dedicated a love song to Lulu on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs album — Dream A Little Dream by Mama Cass.
In 2019, the royal family appointed the actor as Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex.
Speaking about the appointment at the time, he said: “It’s nice because in my country where I live and do a lot of things like visiting schools and reading Paddington. It’s basically the same thing, but just with a badge. I am very honored.”
Hugh, who has played Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, since Downton launched in 2010, previously revealed the royals are fans of the period drama.
Kate, Princess of Wales, called to see the cast at Ealing Studios as they wrapped up the final series, and they were also visited by Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
Hugh praised the key role Lulu played in running their household and looking after their beloved son Felix, now 20, while he enjoyed TV and film fame.
The winner said: “Lulu’s priority was to be a support for Felix and me and I am totally in her debt.”
The couple would walk their Tibetan terriers, Teddy and Sasha, around the South Downs and spend weekends entertaining friends with late-night karaoke and meals prepared by Lulu.
She would tease Hugh that he was a “luvvie” – her favorite nickname for him.
During the pandemic, they volunteered as marshals at their local vaccine center.
Hugh once told the newspaper: “I had girlfriends, but settling down was the last thing on my mind.
“Then you meet someone and you think, ‘This is the person I want to be with.’ We had a history together.
“That helps when you’re in the long haul.”
An early role was De Niro’s right foot
HUGH had a brilliant career on stage and in film and television.
He made his acting debut playing Ralph Fiennes’ replacement Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Open Air Theater in London’s Regent’s Park.
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Hugh as Robert Grantham with Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary in Downton AbbeyCredits: Splash
His first role on the big screen was in Frankenstein, in which he played Robert De Niro as the Monster. Hugh played De Niro’s right foot.
Other film appearances include Notting Hill in 1999 and Iris in 2001, for which he was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor.
He won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey, a role that opened the door to major roles, including The Monuments Men with George Clooney and in two Paddington films.
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Hugh with George Clooney in The Monuments Men Credit: AP: Associated Press
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Hugh meets King Charles Credit: PA
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Hugh Bonneville and his wife Lulu Williams, pictured in 2019, have divorcedCredit: AFP or licensors
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The couple has been spotted on the red carpet many times over the years Credit: Rex
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: newstars.edu.vn