Who is Hugh Bonneville's new girlfriend Claire Rankin? Meet Downton Abbey star's Canadian love interest as he moves on just months after split from ex-wife Lulu Williams

Hugh Bonneville and his wife Lulu Williams recently split up after 25 years of marriage. 

And the Downton Abbey star, 60, has already moved on from his marriage with Canadian actress Claire Rankin, 53. 

The pair have reportedly been on a string of dates and have been spending time at his London flat, as well as an evening at the luxurious Broadwick Soho Hotel.

According to The Sun, Hugh also took the actress to an event at Buckingham Palace where she met Queen Camilla as well as dinner with his Downton co-stars.

So, who is his rumored new girlfriend Claire Rankin? Read on to find out. 

Who is Hugh Bonneville's new girlfriend Claire Rankin?

Meet Downton Abbey star's Canadian love interest as he moves on just months after split from ex-wife Lulu Williams (pictured)

Who is Claire Rankin?

Claire Rankin is a Canadian actress who was raised in Prince Edward Island. 

The star began acting in Shakespeare plays in the 90s and appeared on shows including Ally McBeal, Without A Trace and House. 

Claire, who is also a professional dancer, is currently starring in Canadian comedy series Son of a Critch. 

Claire was previously married to the actor Josh Randall, who appeared alongside Hugh in US sitcom Courting Alex nearly 20 years ago. 

How did Hugh and Claire meet?

Hugh has been on a series of dates with Claire, just months after his split from wife Lulu Williams.

He has reportedly been spending time with Claire at his London flat as well as an evening at the luxurious Broadwick Soho Hotel.

According to The Sun, Hugh also took the actress to an event at Buckingham Palace where she met Queen Camilla as well as dinner with his Downton co-stars.

Claire was previously married to the actor Josh Randall who appeared alongside Hugh in US sitcom Courting Alex nearly 20 years ago.

Claire has shared snaps of her recent trip to London on her Instagram account, however Hugh has not been featured in them.

Claire Rankin is a Canadian actress who was raised in Prince Edward Island

Claire was previously married to the actor Josh Randall (pictured together in 2001)

Josh and Hugh appeared together in US sitcom Courting Alex nearly 20 years ago

Claire, who is also a professional dancer, is currently starring in Canadian comedy series Son of a Critch (pictured on the show)

Claire pictured in Without a Trace in 2002

An onlooker who saw the pair strolling in central London said: 'Hugh and Claire looked so happy together, they couldn’t stop smiling.

'They looked liked any other couple and seemed to be really enjoying each other’s company.'

Hugh recently delivered a reading to the young winners of a BBC writing competition with Claire in the audience.

On Wednesday, they were said to have enjoyed dinner with Hugh's Downton co-star Michelle Dockery.

On Friday, Claire shared a photo taken at the airport as she prepared to return to Canada.

When did Hugh split from his wife Lulu Williams?

A spokesperson for Hugh confirmed in September that he and his ex Lulu, who lived together for 25 years at their home in West Sussex, ended their marriage.

However, it seems the split has not been smooth sailing, with a source revealing: 'It is clear that Lulu feels as if 20-odd years of marriage counts for nothing.'

Lulu often accompanied her husband to premieres and film sets and her recent absence sparked rumours the pair were having troubles.

The actor, famous for his role as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, had never shied away from expressing his love for Lulu, having previously called her his 'bedrock' and 'anchor' and crediting his wife for being the backbone of their household.

A source told The Sun: 'Hugh has been away from home filming a lot this year. He has lost a bit of weight this summer, he was looking trim, tanned and relaxed.'

The heartbreak came just five years after the couple renewed their vows at Graceland chapel in Las Vegas.

Claire has shared snaps of her recent trip to London on her Instagram account, however Hugh has not been featured in them

Hugh recently delivered a reading to the young winners of a BBC writing competition with Claire in the audience

A spokesperson for Hugh confirmed in September that he and his ex Lulu, who lived together for 25 years at their home in West Sussex, ended their marriage (pictured together in 2017)

The pair met as teens but reconnected later in life and got together in their 30s, thanks in no small part to Hugh's mother Patricia.

Hugh has said: 'Lulu was running a marquee company... my mother rang her to hire some chairs or something and said, ''Do you remember Hugh?''

'It did infuriate me that I had to give full credit to my mum for reintroducing us.'

The former couple later tied the knot in November 1998.

In previous interviews Bonneville claimed he was 'completely indebted' to his wife for the way she supported him throughout his career while looking after their son Felix, 20, who himself has enjoyed success on the screen.

'Lulu's priority has been to be a bedrock for Felix and me and I'm completely indebted to her,' he said.