Hugh Bonneville confirms new romance with Heidi Kadlecova as he packs on the PDA with the vegan influencer – after split 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 evening.

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

Following their shock separation he reportedly enjoyed a string of dates with Canadian actress Claire Rankin, 53, in March.

However, as he shared a kiss with vegan influencer Heidi, it seems Hugh has now moved on.

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

Hugh layered over a long wool coat and wrapped an arm around his girlfriend as they strolled through the city.

Heidi opted for a stylish beige coat that 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 cast and crew on his new movie, MailOnline revealed.

He recently asked Heidi to spend the day on location as he filmed final scenes for Go Away! in Hertfordshire.

A source told MailOnline that her presence perked up the veteran star, whose mood changed considerably while in the vegan influencer’s company sparking onlookers to describe the pair as ‘a couple of lovebirds’.

Plus, locals spotted the pair cuddling during breaks from filming scenes next to a church.

A source said: ‘Hugh and Heidi seemed really loved up and excited to be in each other’s company.’

‘Her being on set brought out another side to him, he was like a different person on set when she was around, considerably perkier.’

They added: ‘She watched on as he filmed scenes and during breaks they went off together for some privacy.

‘But he introduced her to everybody connected with the project and they came across as a really sweet pair, like a couple of lovebirds.’

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

MailOnline has contacted Hugh’s representatives for comment.

The divorced philanthropist describes herself on social media as a ‘world traveller’ and ‘animal advocate’.

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

Heidi has a young daughter Gabriella who she takes on her travels, including the Mount Everest base camp in 2019.

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

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

The vegan campaigner and Hugh were first pictured together on July 8 at the premiere of new film Twisters.

Documenting the night on her Instagram, Heidi wrote: ‘Such a fun night and you are 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 Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith, West London.

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

They share one son called Felix, 20, and lived together in West Sussex, but have 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, 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.