Hugh Bonneville has revealed on his Twitter that he’ll be guest starring in the sixth series of Doctor Who.

The actor, who has previously appeared as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham in ITV1’s Downton Abbey and as Bernie in 1999 film Notting Hill, tweeted: “No idea what the weather’s like on earth this day in 2011 because I am elsewhere, IN THE ACTUAL TARDIS ACTUALLY”. He later added that he is playing as a Pirate Captain, however remained tight-lipped when pressed for more details.

The official site quotes him as saying: “When I was a boy, the music and Jon Pertwee’s Doctor had me peeking out from behind the sofa. I am thrilled to be appearing in the new series – this new adventure is not for the faint-hearted.”

Break YOUR silence in our ongoing Series 6 discussion, Silences, Rivers and Songs!