Bearded Hugh Bonneville cuts a more rugged figure as he joins glamorous wife Lulu Williams at Ascot preview event
He may have been attending an event in association with Highclere Castle, but it wasn't Lady Grantham who was on his arm.
Instead, ex-Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville scrubbed up to join lovely wife Lulu Williams at Fortnum & Mason in London on Thursday night.
The actor formerly known as lord of the manor Richard Crawley looked more rugged than usual, sporting a gruff beard for the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing preview, ahead of Royal Ascot.
Scroll down for video
Cute couple: Hugh Bonneville and glamorous wife Lulu Williams turned out for the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing preview, ahead of Royal Ascot, on Thursday
With a salt and pepper appearance to his short hair and emerging beard, the 52-year-old was a long way from his former alter-ego.
His smart, dinner suit had received an update in the form of a contemporary bow tie and shiny shoes, while his aspect appeared slimmer than usual.
Hugh certainly seemed to be in good company, with wife Lulu choosing a lime green lace dress that would have been spot on at Ladies' Day.
Supporting the racehorses: Hugh posed for pictures with racehorse trainer Andrew Balding
In attendance: Hosted at Fortnum & Mason, the event saw Hugh chatting to CEO Ewan Venters
Fans of ITV period drama, which ended in December 2015 after five years, will know that it was always Cora Crawley that was faithfully by Lord Grantham's side at Downton Abbey.
Hugh still seemed to be supporting Highclere Castle, where it was filmed, when he supported the racehorses that get their namesake from the stately home.
Similarly taking an interest in the racehorses was Clare Balding, a keen presenter for sport, who looked elegant in a glittery blue dress.
Horse fans: Hugh spoke to BBC broadcaster Clare Balding on the night
Glamorous: She looked particularly elegant in a blue sparkly frock for the drinks reception
Black tie event: The sportswomen was spotted chatting to Steve Harman
Hugh must now have more time on his hands after completing his time on the stage in An Enemy Of The People.
The actor appeared as Dr Stockmann at the Chichester Festival Theatre but it wrapped up at the end of May.
So fond of his time down south, Hugh is now said to be turning his attention to recording an album comprising music and poetry inspired by the Sussex countryside.
Released on June 17, 2016, the album is known to feature one track called In A South Downs Way that he says, 'reminds me of the place I’m lucky enough to call home.'
Making a guest: Victoria Pendleton paired a little black dress with a blazer robed over her shoulders
Happy couple: Victoria was joined by her husband Scott Gardner on the night
Caught off guard: Captured as he sat at the dinner table, Hugh was approached for questioning by Oli Bell
Having a chat: Clare was also encouraged to have a few words inside the celebrity event
Animated: But she was all-too willing to talk some more about her beloved sport
Special guest: Sportsman Steve Redgrave (left) was also invited to the function
What height difference? Lady Carolyn Warren and Susanna Warren sandwiched in Frankie Dettori
- Man rescues benguela dolphin stranded on beach
- Petrifying moment tiger pounces at woman on other side of...
- High school valedictorian reveals she's undocumented...
- Boxer swiftly knocks out two guys for picking on his...
- Female bus passenger rolls head and speaks in satanic voice
- Florida man arrested in kidnapping attempt of teen girl
- Woman traumatized after deer takes over garden and attacks...
- Bike rider tackled seconds before crossing Obama's motorcade
- Barack Obama endorses Hillary Clinton for President
- Motorcyclist honks at on-the-phone driver who turns to be a...
- Baby Moose does baseball slide through sprinkler
- Hillary and Bill Clinton enjoying a dance in 1992
- EXCLUSIVE: Bill Clinton’s lover - before and AFTER his...
- White House calls FBI probe into Clinton's classified emails...
- Muhammad Ali's widow and two ex-wives pay their respects to...
- Pictured: Yellowstone visitor, 23, who died after wandering...
- 'Through turmoil and change, war and hardship': Queen's...
- Florida girl, 15, kills herself after naked video taken...
- Texas high school valedictorian bound for Yale on a full...
- Get a roo-m! Kangaroo and a pig 'who have been in a...
- 'He dared to affirm the beauty of blackness': Speakers pay...
- Stanford rapist 'took photograph of his victim's breasts...
- 'A loud, nasty thin-skinned fraud': Elizabeth Warren...
- Gang lords raise £300,000 as a bounty for anyone who...