AN UNUSUAL connection between a Downton Abbey star and Ukraine’s president has been revealed.

Hugh Bonneville, who lives in Midhurst, plays the role of Henry Brown in both the 2014 film Paddington and its 2017 sequel Paddington 2.

Unbeknownst to him, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky was the voice actor for the Ukrainian version of the two films.

Mr Zelensky, who has received global praise for remaining in Ukraine following the invasion from Russia, worked as an actor and comedian before his political career.

Mr Bonneville, best known for his roles in Downton Abbey and Notting Hill, sent a message of thanks to the Ukrainian president on social media.

“Until today I had no idea who provided the voice of Paddington Bear in Ukraine,” he said.

“Speaking for myself, thank you, President Zelensky.”

He also shared a link to the charity Unicef, who have partnered with Paddington in the past, encouraging the public to make donations.

"For those across the world who cherish the values of Paddington,” he added.

Mr Bonneville lives in West Sussex with his wife Lucinda Evans and their son Felix.

He was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex in 2019.

Last year, the actor, who plays Lord Grantham in Downtown Abbey, was spotted volunteering at a Covid-19 vaccination hub in Midhurst.

Ukraine president Mr Zelensky was a well-known actor prior to politics – even having played a president in a TV show called Servant of the People.

In 2019, he won the presidential election with 73 per cent of the vote.

He was then inaugurated in May that year.

The 44-year-old was given a standing ovation by the European Parliament following an emotional speech on Tuesday.

In an address to an emergency gathering of the Brussels chamber, Mr Zelenskyy urged European nations to "prove that you are with us" as his country fights to hold off a Russian invasion.

His speech, via video link, came a day after the Ukrainian leader signed an application to join the European Union.

His address was met by standing applause from MEPs, many of whom wore or raised Ukrainian flags.