VILLAGERS got a prime time seat when Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville and the show’s producer, Chris Croucher, revealed some of the ITV drama's biggest secrets – all in the name of charity.

Bonneville, who has also starred in W1A, the BBC satirical comedy about working for the nation’s broadcaster, made the short journey from his Milland home to Liphook, where he was joined by Mr Croucher, the former Bohunt pupil entrusted with translating Julian Fellowes Downton scripts into the international box office hit on our screens.

They were joined by locations manager Mark ‘Sparky’ Ellis at Liphook’s Millennium Centre last Saturday as part of a fundraising evening for TLC, the Bordon-based charity which provides a Hospice at Home service in the East Hampshire town and surrounding villages.

The audience were treated to hilarious tales of what went on both before – and after – the cameras rolled during Downton’s six year-run, which ended at Christmas.