Hugh Bonneville starred alongside his comedian girlfriend’s now-ex on US sitcom Courting Alex nearly 20 years before the pair ‘went on a string of dates’ after he split from his wife

Hugh Bonneville starred alongside his new girlfriend’s now ex-husband in an American sitcom almost 20 years ago.

The 60-year-old Downton Abbey star reportedly wooed Canadian actress Claire Rankin on a ‘series of dates’ at his London flat and the luxury Broadwick Soho Hotel months after he split from wife Lulu Williams.

Claire was previously married to Scrubs actor Josh Randall, who appeared alongside Hugh in the short-lived 2006 US sitcom Courting Alex almost two decades ago.

Hugh starred as British neighbor Julian, who gives love advice to Alex (Jenna Elfman) while secretly in love with her. Josh played Alex’s lover Scott.

Claire married Josh in 2000 until the actor filed for divorce in 2012, citing “irreconcilable differences”, US gossip website TMZ reported. The couple had no children together.

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

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

‘They looked like any other couple and seemed to enjoy 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.

The Prince Edward Island actress began appearing in Shakespeare plays in the 90s, appearing in shows including Ally McBeal, Without A Trace and House.

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

However, it seems the split hasn’t been smooth sailing, with a source revealing: ‘It’s clear Lulu feels 20 years of marriage count for nothing.’

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

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 credited his wife for being the backbone in their household.

A source told The Sun: ‘Hugh has been away from home filming a lot this year. He’s lost a bit of weight this summer, he looked sad, tanned and relaxed.’

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