THE star of the BBC drama series Versailles is to be the special guest at a preview night of Duncombe Park Christmas Fair.

The fair, which has supported children’s charity the NSPCC for the past 20 years, raised £56,423 last year.

George Blagden will make an appearance at a VIP preview night in support of the charity with champagne and canapes on Thursday, November 16.

Mr Blagden, who also starred in Vikings, said: “I am really looking forward to attending this special event. It is amazing to me that such a social and enjoyable occasion can make such a difference to children who face abuse and neglect.”

There will be more than 70 stalls offering gifts from toys to books, jewellery, fashion, art, homeware and food and drink.

Karen Storey, co-chairman of the NSPCC Duncombe Park Committee, said: “We’ve raised more than £500,000 over the two decades we’ve been organising the fair, and it has really gone from strength to strength. We are so very grateful to Jake and Raffaella Duncombe for allowing us to use their home to host the event again.”

Tickets for the VIP evening include champagne reception and canapes, but numbers are strictly limited and early purchase is recommended.

Tickets for the fair on Friday and Saturday will be available at the door for £10, or £8 in advance online. To book, visit nspccduncombeparkchristmasfair.co.uk