Hugh Bonneville opposes David Cameron's press proposals (THE TELEGRAPH)

Hugh Bonneville, the Downton Abby star, is pre-occupied with legislation for the press and a rude word used by Rowan Atkinson

Hugh Bonneville as the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey Photo: Nick Briggs / Carnival Films

By Tim Walker7:30
AM GMT 18 Mar 2013

Filming may be getting under way on the new Downton Abbey, but Hugh Bonneville’s mind was on other matters over the weekend: legislation to control the press and “shagging”.

The 49-year-old actor, who plays the Earl of Grantham in the series, has been vociferously supporting the Hacked Off campaigners. He has written to his local MP to get him to vote against David Cameron’s alternative proposal for a Royal Charter to regulate the press, and urged his 100,000-odd followers on a social networking site to follow suit.

Mandrake can think of at least two people who are unlikely to have heeded his call. Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, is a staunch Conservative who was made a peer by the Prime Minister. He was unavailable for comment, but he will be mindful that today’s Commons vote on press regulation is now being seen as a test of Cameron’s authority.

READ MORE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/downton-abbey/9936048/Hugh-Bonneville-opposes-David-Camerons-press-proposals.html

Riches to rags for Hugh Bonneville UKPA

Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville is going from riches to rags after landing a new role in a TV drama - as a tramp.

He is taking the title role in Mr Stink, adapted from the hit children's novel by comic David Walliams, which is being brought to life for BBC One.

Hugh, known to viewers for his role as the Earl of Grantham, will swap his country pile for a garden shed in the family comedy which begins filming next month.

David will also make an appearance playing the Prime Minister after notably playing a fawning aide to the PM in his hit comedy Little Britain.

In the story, lonely 12-year-old Chloe befriends local tramp Mr Stink and invites him to hide out at the end of her family's garden. The book by David, who has worked with Men Behaving Badly writer Simon Nye to adapt the tale, has sold more than a quarter of a million copies.

Hugh said: "I'm delighted to be adding my own whiff to the odour that emanates from David Walliams, and his very funny, touching and thought-provoking story."

read more:  http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jSAfyBh0vKqoc0mfXJkXi_I5wyMA?docId=N0312741348226687818A