Hugh Bonneville pictured with Paddington during Norwich visit
The actor was in the city for a public conversation at UEA
Actor Hugh Bonneville has been pictured with Paddington during a visit to Norwich.
The photo shows him sitting on a bench with his arm around a statue of the bear, which is wearing its red hat and blue duffle coat and holding a sandwich.
VisitNorwich shared the picture on social media, saying: "Yesterday, Paddington had a quick visit from the lovely Hugh Bonneville. How wonderful it was to see them together"
The post also thanked the University of East Anglia (UEA) for organising his visit.
Why Hugh Bonneville was in Norwich
Bonneville was in the city for a public conversation about his career at UEA on Monday 12th October.
He was due to speak on stage with Professor Steve Waters, Professor of Scriptwriting at UEA, at 6.30pm in Lecture Theatre 1.
The event was part of UEA's partnership with Norfolk Screen, which brings actors, writers and other creative talent to Norwich for public conversations.
Earlier in the day, he was due to talk to local schoolchildren about his latest children's book, Rory Sparkes and the Spy Who Loved Tea.
He was due to be joined by fellow children's author Professor Ben Garrod, Professor of Evolutionary Biology and Science Engagement, and Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor Civic at UEA.
Hannah Tough, Public Events and Engagement Manager at UEA, said: "Being able to host Hugh for both a school and public event is a dream, and sure to be a special day for many."
Known for Downton Abbey and Paddington
Bonneville is best known for playing Robert, Earl of Grantham, in Downton Abbey, a role for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Emmy.
He has also appeared in the Downton Abbey and Paddington films, as well as Notting Hill.
His TV credits include The Vicar of Dibley, Doctor Who and season two of Guy Ritchie's Netflix series The Gentlemen.
He has also appeared in the BAFTA-winning BBC comedies Twenty Twelve, W1A and Twenty Twenty Six.
As well as his acting career, Bonneville has written a memoir, Playing Under the Piano, and two children's books: Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room, and Rory Sparkes and the Spy Who Loved Tea.