Downton Abbey star Joanne Froggatt splits from husband James Cannon after eight years

DOWNTON Abbey star Joanne Froggatt has split from her husband James Cannon after eight years.

The 39-year-old actress – who played Anna Bates in the hit ITV period drama – revealed the news in an interview with the Daily Mail.

She said: “We’ve actually been separated for a little while. I’m looking to the future.”

She added: “I’m just going to embrace this year and see what happens.”

Joanne married James – an IT consultant – in Oxford in 2012 and they set up production company Run It together.

They reported still plan to work on projects together despite their marriage ending.

While the couple have no children, Joanne hasn’t ruled out becoming a mother in the future.

She said: “If it happens, it happens. And if it doesn’t, I hope I’ll still feel I can live a happy and fulfilled life.”

Joanne had previously gushed about her husband in an interview with The Telegraph in 2015.

She said at the time: “He’s passionate about film and theatre, so we have a common interest – and he’s not in the business, so it’s perfect.”

Joanne will soon be back on our screens for season two of her hit drama, Liar.

The second season will follow the apparent murder of serial rapist Andrew Earlham, with Joanne’s character Laura under suspicion.

Her sister Katy and fellow rape victim DI Vanessa Harmon are also among the suspects, as are Laura’s ex-boyfriend Tom and Andrew’s own son Luke.