Hugh Bonneville confirms new romance with Heidi Kadlecova as he packs on the PDA with the vegan influencer – after splitting from wife of 25 years Lulu Williams

Hugh Bonneville confirmed his new romance with Heidi Kadlecova as they packed on the PDA in London on Friday night.

The actor, 60, who shot to stardom with his portrayal of the Earl of Grantham in ITV drama Downton Abbey, split from his wife of 25 years, Lulu Williams, in September last year.

Following their shock split, he reportedly went on a series of dates with Canadian actress Claire Rankin, 53, in March.

However, by kissing vegan influencer Heidi, it appears Hugh has moved on.

He put on a dapper display for the date night, wearing a white shirt with a navy blazer and trousers.

The 60-year-old actor, who shot to stardom with his portrayal of the Earl of Grantham in ITV drama Downton Abbey, split from wife of 25 years Lulu Williams in September last year.

Hugh donned a long wool coat and put his arm around his girlfriend as they strolled through the city.

Heidi opted for an elegant beige coat that she paired with a printed blouse and straight jeans.

The actor is said to be a “different person” around his new girlfriend and recently introduced her to the cast and crew of his new film, MailOnline can reveal.

He recently asked Heidi to spend the day there while he filmed the final scenes of Go Away! in Hertfordshire.

A source told MailOnline that their presence cheered up the veteran star, whose mood changed considerably while in the vegan influencer's company, leading viewers to describe the couple as “a couple of lovebirds”.

Furthermore, local residents spotted the couple hugging each other during filming breaks near a church.

A source said: 'Hugh and Heidi looked very much in love and excited to be in each other's company.'

'Her presence on set brought out another side of him, he was like a different person on set when she was around, considerably happier.'

He put on a dapper display for the date night, wearing a white shirt with a navy blue blazer and trousers.

Hugh and Lulu, who share a son, Felix, split in September after 25 years of marriage but have not yet officially divorced

Hugh donned a long cardigan and put an arm around his girlfriend as they strolled through the city

Meanwhile, Heidi opted for a stylish beige coat which she teamed with a printed blouse and a pair of straight-leg jeans.

The actor is said to be a 'different person' around his new girlfriend and recently introduced her to the cast and crew of his new film, MailOnline reveals

They added: 'She watched while he filmed the scenes and during breaks they would go out together to have some privacy.

'But he introduced her to everyone connected to the project and they seemed like a really cute couple, like a couple of lovebirds.'

She also watched him film scenes for the third Downton Abbey film, to be released on Netflix, before she was photographed arriving at a wrap party in Kings Cross two weeks ago to mark the end of filming – the third time they were photographed together. .

MailOnline has contacted Hugh's representatives for comment.

The divorced philanthropist describes herself on social media as a “world traveler” and “animal advocate.”

Her Instagram bio reads 'Live life ethically, always with kindness and compassion'.

Heidi has a young daughter, Gabriella, who she takes on her travels, including Mount Everest Base Camp in 2019.

She was previously married to lawyer Richard Coglon, Gabriella's father, while they lived in Vancouver.

A source said her presence cheered up the star, whose mood changed considerably while in her company, leading viewers to describe the couple as “a couple of lovebirds”.

She also saw him film scenes for the third Downton Abbey film, to be released on Netflix, before she was photographed arriving at a wrap party in Kings Cross two weeks ago.

Divorced philanthropist Heidi describes herself on social media as a 'world traveler' and 'animal advocate'

Heidi has worked for non-governmental organizations in Uganda, Indonesia and Nepal.

The vegan activist and Hugh were photographed together for the first time on July 8, at the premiere of the new film Twisters.

Documenting the night on her Instagram, Heidi wrote: 'Such a fun night and you look absolutely amazing in this film.'

Two weeks later, Heidi and Hugh posted the same photo at the same time during the opening night of Fangirls, a new musical at the Lyric Theater in Hammersmith, west London.

Paddington star Hugh split from wife of 25 years Lulu Williams in September last year.

They share a son named Felix, 20, and lived together in West Sussex, but are yet to officially divorce.

A spokesperson for Hugh confirmed in September 2023 that he and his ex Lulu, who lived together for 25 years at their home in West Sussex, had ended their marriage.

However, it appears the split didn't go smoothly, with a source revealing: 'It's clear that Lulu feels as if 20-plus years of marriage count for nothing.'

Paddington star Hugh split from wife of 25 years Lulu Williams in September last year (pictured in 2019)

However, it appears the split didn't go smoothly, with a source revealing: 'It's clear Lulu feels as if 20-plus years of marriage don't count for anything' (pictured in 2013)

Lulu often accompanied her husband to premieres and film sets and her recent absence sparked rumors that the pair were having problems.

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

A source told The Sun: 'Hugh has been away from home a lot filming this year. He lost some weight this summer, was in good shape, tanned and relaxed.

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