Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery Reportedly Admits She is Now Engaged to Long-Time Boyfriend John Dineen

Michelle Dockery who is best known for her role as Lady Mary Crawley in the ITV drama series Downtown Abbey is set to walk down the aisle with her long-time boyfriend, John Dineen, a senior director with FTI Consulting.

Both Michelle and John have Irish roots. The two started dating in September 2013 after being introduced by Allen Leech, who plays Lady Mary's former chauffeur in the British period drama TV series. Last year, Michelle admitted to the blossoming romance, telling reporters: "I have a wonderful man in my life from Ireland. We were introduced by Allen Leech. That's all you need to know!"

Known to be reserved and very private in person, Michelle told Radio Times [via Daily Mail] that she puts on a little trick to occasionally fool fans who recognize her in America. She said she "pretends to be a 'rich Britney, from Beverly Hills,' who coincidentally looks like Lady Mary. It's a silly spoof, but it passes the time. We're always sending ourselves up. I find it quite easy to accept now, although at first I was nervous of complete strangers coming over and wanting to talk. Sometimes they want selfies, and I've said no occasionally, although you don't have to be rude. There's a time and place....But there aren't many disadvantages to being in a show like this."

Michelle herself reportedly broke the news about her engagement to John to her Downtown Abbey co-stars by showing them her new diamond ring at a recent script reading according to The Sun [via Mirror]. An unnamed source reportedly said to the celebrity news site: "She's over the moon and was showing it off to all of the cast and crew. It's wonderful news and everyone is delighted. She and John make a lovely couple. She and John make a lovely couple."

However, neither Michelle nor John have confirmed anything definite at this point.