Whether you know him as Paddington’s Mr Brown, Downton Abbey’s Earl of Grantham or Ian Fletcher in W1A, Hugh Bonneville has been a familiar face on our screens for decades. With five BAFTA nominations and a career spanning stage, film and television, he’s hardly been short of work – yet he’s recently found time to add children’s author to his CV.

Hugh's second children's book, Rory Sparkes And The Spy Who Loved Tea, will be released this October, following last year’s Rory Sparkes And The Elephant In The Room. In this new adventure, Rory finds himself caught up in a mystery involving secret messages and some suspiciously popular tea.

london, england november 03: hugh bonneville stands alongside his journey of marmalade paddington bear stature at the launch of the paddington trail at the scoop, more london on november 3, 2014 in london, england. (photo by ian gavan/getty images)
Ian Gavan//Getty Images

Now, the Earl of Grantham himself is ready to talk about his leap from acting to children’s writing. Hugh joins us at Good Housekeeping Live this November to share highlights from his multi-faceted career, including all things Downton and The Gentlemen. We’ll also be asking about a matter of ongoing fascination in our office: why did he choose an endless supply of jumbled-up Lego as his luxury item on Desert Island Discs?

Want to hear what drew him to children’s writing – and what the wonderful Maggie Smith was like to work with? See Hugh Bonneville at this year's Good Housekeeping Live x Country Living Market on 11 November. As well as the chance to get a head start on your present buying at the artisan Christmas market, the show is packed with celebrity talks, food demonstrations, craft workshops and more... Tickets are selling out fast so buy yours now!

flash sale for good housekeeping live event, 11 14 november, £10 tickets, business design centre, islington, london. sale ends 28th september.