Downton Abbey star shocks TV presenter by urging action on Gaza in impassioned plea

Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville surprised an ITV News presenter at the premiere of his new film by using an interview to urge the world to intervene against Israel's operations in Gaza.

Bonneville, 61, was appearing live on ITV News on Wednesday night to speak about Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the final instalment in the hugely popular franchise, which began as a television period drama.

Asked by the reporter to speak about the film, he looked into the camera and issued an unexpected plea for action on Gaza.

"Before I talk about the fluff and loveliness of our wonderful film, what’s about to happen in Gaza City is indefensible and the international community must do more to bring it to an end," Bonneville declared, to the reporter's visible surprise.

Without pausing, he then went on to say that "Downton Abbey is a lovely film and we are going to celebrate 15 glorious years of it tonight."

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