Hugh Bonneville is set to star in the second series of huge Netflix hit The Gentlemen.

The actor, 61 – who played Robert Crawley in ITV’s Downton Abbey between 2010 and 2015 – has bagged himself a role as a new character in the action comedy. 

The Gentlemen, created by Guy Ritchie and is based on his film of the same name, hit our screens on the streaming service last year.

And according to The Sun, Hugh is one of the stars who has recently joined the cast, but his alter-ego has been kept under wraps. 

An insider told the publication: ‘It was pretty obvious that Hugh’s new character plays a pivotal role in the story that runs through the drama’s second outing.

‘Though it’s a bit of a surprise to see someone in a gangster thriller who’s used to playing wholesome figures in shows like Downton Abbey and the Paddington movies.

Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville is set to star in the second series of huge Netflix hit The Gentlemen (pictured in 2024) 

The Gentlemen, created by Guy Ritchie and is based on his film of the same name, hit screens on the streaming service last year – pictured Theo James and Kaya Scodelario

‘But it’s fair to say with his giant head of grey hair and thick black glᴀsses they’ve given him a very distinctive new look.’

The first series of The Gentleman premiered in March 2024 and became a huge hit. 

Five months later it was renewed for another series.

The eight-part series received rave reviews and accumulated a whopping 77 million views on the service last year. 

Luckily, fans don’t have that long to wait until the next instalment as the second series is due to be released in the early months of 2026.

And filming has already started. 

The official synopsis reads: ‘When aristocratic Eddie inherits the family estate, he discovers that it’s home to an enormous weed empire — and its proprietors aren’t going anywhere.’ 

The show also has a star-studded cast that includes Theo, Kaya, Daniel Ings, Joely Richardson, Joshua McGuire, Vinnie Jones, Edward Fox, Giancarlo Esposito and Ray Winstone. 

The actor, 61 – who played Robert Crawley in ITV ‘s Downton Abbey between 2010 and 2015 (pictured) – has bagged himself a role as a new character in the action comedy

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Many have rushed to review site Rotten Tomatoes to give their praise.

It has received 75 per cent on the Tomatometer and 83 per cent on the Popcornmeter. 

Meanwhile one said on IMBD: ‘The best thing Netflix has produced in a very long time.’ 

‘Well worth a watch – instant classic. Guy Ritchie making a series is just a wonderful thing. 8 pockets of brilliance, almost like 8 movies in one.’ 

‘I couldn’t stop binging this! It’s a funny and wild ride with an ensemble cast. Theo James was born to play this role and I couldn’t help thinking he would make a great Bond, especially after episode 2. 

‘Kaya Scodelario is brilliant as the steely Susie Glᴀss. The comic timing of the whole cast is pivotal in making this so watchable.’ 

‘I really like Guy Richie movies. He has had his fair share of less successful ones, but for the most part they were good.’ 

‘Excellent work, everything goes surprisingly from gentle to aggressive with extraordinary balance and flow. What can I say, Guy Ritchie, he never disappoint us.’ 

The 2024 Netflix series has received rave reviews on IMBD – with one labelling the show an ‘instant classic’

 Hugh has had an extremely successful career since shooting to fame in the 90s.

He’s won a Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Award for his role as Robert Crawlery, Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey.

But he’s also appeared in Notting Hill, Iris, The Monuments Men and the Paddington Bear franchise. 

The star has also appeared in a number of TV shows such as EastEnders, The Simpsons, The Gold, The H๏τel, Hunter and Doctor Who.