Downton And Out

11 October 2012, 10:53 | Updated: 11 October 2012, 11:28

Actor Hugh Bonneville has been spotted filming scenes for a new TV series in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, alongside Pudsey The Dog.

Hugh, 48, is barely recognisable as he plays a tramp in new TV comedy drama 'Mr Stink', based on the children's book by comedian David Walliams.

Pudsey The Dog, from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, has become an international star after winning Britain's Got Talent in May 2012.
 
Dressed in a dirty old raincoat tied up with string and sporting a scruffy beard and unkempt long hair, Hugh is a far cry from the suave, dinner suited character of Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham who he plays in the popular ITV Sunday night period drama, Downton Abbey.
 
In fact, it could be said he's decidedly 'Downton and out' for his latest role.
 
Shooting's been taking place at an empty retail unit at Hemel Hempstead's Marlowes Shopping Centre, as well as a nearby coffee shop.

The one-off family drama is expected to be aired around Christmas 2012.  It also stars Sheridan Smith and Johnny Vegas and tells the story of a lonely 12-year-old girl called Chloe, played by Nell Tiger Free, who befriends a tramp named Mr Stink, played by Bonneville.
 
David Walliams will also make an appearance as the prime minister in the drama.

The programme is also being filmed in 3D.