ELIZABETH McGovern – aka Lady Cora, Countess of Grantham in hit television drama Downton Abbey – has made an appearance at Chiddingfold’s Mulberry Inn, playing with her band Sadie and the Hotheads.

The band was preparing for a tour and was recording at nearby studios when Mulberry Inn co-owner and manager Camilla Hansen was asked whether they could play, just a few days before the gig last Thursday night.

“Literally one hour after sending an e-mail out to my mailing list, our tables were fully booked,” said Camilla, who co-owns the Mulberry with Radio 2 breakfast show and TFI Friday host Chris Evans.

“They did a one-hour slot and played to a full house. She is an adorable woman. She had time to say hello to everyone, was very down to earth and generous with her time.”

The actress and singer-songwriter (pictured) fronts the folk rock band, which has released three albums and has appeared at the Edinburgh festival and several smaller gigs around the country.