HUGH Bonneville, star of the latest Hollywood blockbuster, Paddington Bear 2, was a hit at The Royal School last Wednesday, when he made a guest appearance as part of the school’s 2017/18 Royal Lecture Series.

The actor was presented with a Royal School teddy bear “just in case Paddington is ever unavailable” as a souvenir of his visit.

Pupils, staff and parents packed into the auditorium to hear more about their favourite leading man from ITV’s ‘Downton Abbey and BBC’s comedy series W1A. a satire of the broadcaster’s political correctness.

Billed as a talk in conversation with the Royal’s head of drama, it started with Edward Taylor-Gooby asking questions about Mr Bonneville’s early career, before handing over to year 10 and 11 drama students to ask their own questions.

Royal principal Anne Lynch said: “We were delighted to welcome Hugh Bonneville. It was such a privilege for our students to be able to ask such a prestigious and professional actor about the hard work, perseverance and resilience that are necessary to succeed in the world of theatre.

“It was also very exciting for us all to find out about the filming of Downton Abbey and Paddington Bear 2. We are very grateful to Hugh for giving up his time to come and speak to our community.”

Year 11 student Isabella said: “Mr Bonneville gave us a great insight into the world of a professional actor and explained to us how actors, young and old, experienced and inexperienced, have to face the audition process and more often than not have to deal with rejection.

“We learned how the life of an actor is not just about red carpet events and stardom but also involves insecurity, hard work, and a passion for acting.

“At the end of the evening we were very pleased to present Mr Bonneville with his very own Royal School teddy bear, just in case Paddington is ever unavailable.”