Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery has lost her boyfriend John Dineen who has died aged 34

DOWNTON Abbey actress Michelle Dockery has been left heartbroken by the death of her 34-year-old fiance, John Dineen. He’d been ill for some time.

DOWNTON Abbey actress Michelle Dockery has been left heartbroken after the death of her boyfriend.

The Sun reports that her partner of two years John Dineen, 34, passed away at Cork’s Marymount Hospital on Sunday morning, two days before the actress’ birthday.

The news of his death was reported by the Irish Examiner, who said he had been ill ‘for some time’.

Dineen is believed to have died from a “rare form of cancer”, according to the Mail Online.

Private ... Michelle Dockery did not mention her boyfriend John Dineen much in public. Picture: Splash

Dineen had been working in London but went back to Ireland to spend time with family after being diagnosed with cancer, the Mail Online reports.

He is said to have flown to Germany for treatment but tragically died in Cork last weekend.

Michelle, also 34, is believed to have been engaged to Dineen, who she started dating in 2013, three years after she shot to fame as Lady Mary Crawley in the internationally-renowned period drama.

In love ... Michelle Dockery and John Dineen. Picture: Splash

She flew back from the US to support him and was with her partner in his final hours, the Irish Independent reported.

The star released a statement in the wake of his death saying: “The family is very grateful for the support and kindness they have received but would kindly request that they are left to grieve in private.”

The couple were thought to have been introduced by actor Allen Leech, who played a chauffeur in the ITV show, but they were extremely private about their relationship.

Introduction ... Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary and Allen Leech as Tom Branson. Leech introduced Dockery and her boyfriend John Dineen. Picture: Supplied

In an interview in September 2014, she did make reference to Dineen saying: “I have a wonderful man in my life from Ireland. We were introduced by Allen Leech. That’s all you need to know.”

In February it was reported the pair had got engaged and she was seen showing off her ring to her Downton casemates.

Dineen, who worked as a Senior Director in FTI Consulting in London, was raised in Waterfall on the outskirts of Cork City.

A private funeral is expected to take place in Cork tomorrow.