Downton Abbey star Lesley Nicol opens up on finding love and success in her 50s

Downton Abbey star Lesley Nicol has opened up about falling in love later in life, revealing she defied the odds and met her husband when she was in her 50s.

The talented actress, who played cook Mrs Beryl Patmore in the hit period drama, said her life has “got better with age”, revealing she did not meet her beloved husband Da’aboth Te’He’ling until she was 51-years old

In a piece written for The Mirror, the 66-year-old said: “I was told, ‘you’re too old to meet anyone. You’re on the scrapheap,’ and, ‘you won’t get acting work once you’re middle aged’.

“Luckily for me, I got the best acting job of my career with Downton later in life and I met my husband Da’aboth when I was 51.”

She added: “I’m a late developer and my life has got better with age.”

Lesley and her husband have now been married for 12 years with the actress describing her partner as a “complete godsend”. However, she admitted that meeting later in life has had its drawbacks such as being unable to have children together.

Lesley said while she doesn’t stress about not having kids, she has always had a “maternal energy” and admitted her husband would have been a “lovely dad”.

Elsewhere in the piece the actress explained how grateful she is for her role with Downton Abbey and the “gorgeous” people she had the privilege of working with.

Lesley appeared in the show throughout its entire run from 2010 to 2015.

While the show wrapped up years ago, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of a movie which follows on from the program and features the favourite characters.

Back in May the movie’s full trailer was released online revealing a glimpse at the Crawley family preparing for a royal visit, as well as big romances and plenty of drama.

With the iconic Downton music playing in the background, the sneak peak of the film – set for release later this year – shows glimpses of the storyline including the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary.

All the favourites return to the screen as the family and their servants get ready to welcome the royals into the estate. This includes retired head butler Carson who is asked by Lady Mary to return and help with the unexpected visit.

“I need your help Carson,” Lady Mary can be heard saying. To which Carson replies: “I’ll be there in the morning my lady, don’t you worry.”

Read more: First look: Royalty visits Downton Abbey as characters return in first trailer

Set in 1926 – one year after the final episode – the movie is expected to be an emotional rollercoaster picking up where the TV series left off.

There are grand balls, a secret kiss between Thomas Barrow – who came out as gay towards the end of the TV series – and a mystery man, Lady Edith’s return and even a bombshell from Lady Mary as she appears to hint she’s considering leaving the abbey behind for good.

Are you a fan of Downton Abbey? At what age did you meet your partner?