Tragedy for Downton’s Michelle Dockery as Irish fiancé passes away

Downton Abbey actress Michelle Dockery been left reeling after a devastating loss this week.

Her fiancé, Cork man John Dineen, is understood to have died in the county's Marymount Hospice on Sunday December 13 following an illness.

His funeral will take place in Cork tomorrow.

Michelle and John began dating in September 2013 after being introduced by their mutual friend, Michelle's Downton co-star Allen Leech.

The pair reportedly got engaged earlier this year, with Michelle's colleagues saying the actress had been excited to show off her ring during filming of the drama's final series.

Both Michelle and John were reluctant to comment on their relationship in the press, though the English star did open up somewhat about her romance last year.

"I have a wonderful man in my life from Ireland. We were introduced by Allen Leech. That’s all you need to know," she said in September 2014.

John is a native of Waterfall, Co. Cork and studied at UCC before completing a Masters in UCD in 2005. 

Our thoughts are with Michelle and the Dineen family at this time.