Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville has announced his split from his wife of 25 years.

The actor confirmed that he and Lucinda “Lulu” Williams had separated in a statement released to The Sun this weekend.

The couple, who shared a home in West Sussex, met as teenagers and married in 1998.

A spokesman for the actor said: “I can confirm that Hugh Bonneville and Lulu Williams have separated.”

Bonneville, 59, and Williams, 55, married in 1998, having initially met as teenagers.

The couple have one son, Felix, 20.

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Speculation about the marriage grew when Bonneville was spotted without his wedding ring at the marriage of his Downton Abbey co-star Michelle Dockery last week.

Bonneville, who has also starred in Paddington and Notting Hill, is due to perform at the Battle of Britain Royal Gala in London on Sunday, October 8.