Hugh Bonneville, best known for his roles in Downton Abbey and Paddington, is releasing his first children’s book later this year.

The first book, Rory Sparkes and The Elephant in the Room will be released on October 9th.

The story follows Rory Sparkes and his friends, who love to make their own fun: playing games, solving mysteries and even sailing boats to South America – all before tea. But when the circus comes to town, everything changes.

It is partly inspired by events from Bonneville’s own childhood, where a fellow pupil really did come to school on the back of an elephant.

Speaking about the book, he said: “These days I find myself spending a lot of time reminiscing on my childhood. In Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room I take you there. Well, to a version of it. A version that celebrates individuality, companionship and innocent mischief but occasionally peeks over the edge into ravines of discomfort – what it feels like to be an outsider – but then again, how being a bit different can be the best feeling in the world.”