ELIZABETH McGovern, AKA Lady Cora, Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey, made an appearance at Chiddingfold’s Mulberry Inn, playing with her band Sadie and the Hotheads.

The band was preparing for a tour and was recording at nearby studios when Mulberry Inn co-owner and manager Camilla Hansen was asked whether they could play, just a few days before the gig last Thursday night.

“Literally one hour after sending an email out to my mailing list, our tables were fully booked,” said Camilla, who co-owns the Mulberry with Radio Two breakfast show and TFI Friday host Chris Evans.

“They did a one-hour slot and played to a full house. She is an adorable woman she had time to say hello to everyone, very down-to-earth and generous with her time.”

The actress-come-singer-songwriter fronts the folk rock band, which has released three albums so far and has appeared at the Edinburgh festival, and several smaller gigs around the country.