One of Britain’s best-known actresses has landed a starring role – in the Hampshire village where she lives.

Geraldine Somerville, who played Lily Potter in the Harry Potter films and recently starred in the BBC1 crime drama Quirke, has agreed to open the Beaulieu village fete on Saturday.

Her TV credits include Cracker, Casualty and an early episode of Agatha Christie’s Poirot.

Geraldine, 47, also appeared in the 2001 film Gosford Park and can currently be seen in Grace of Monaco alongside Nicole Kidman.

The fete will be held in the grounds of Lord Montagu of Beaulieu’s ancestral home, Palace House.

Geraldine, who lives on the Beaulieu Estate, will arrive in a 1904 de Dion Bouton car driven by the peer’s son and heir, the Hon Ralph Montagu.

She will be following in the footsteps of celebrities such as Hampshire TV stars Esther Rantzen and Charlie Dimmock and legendary DJ Ed “Stewpot” Stewart.

Two members of the Coronation Street cast, Jennie McAlpine and Andrew Lancel, have also appeared at the event.

An estate spokesman said: “The Beaulieu Band will herald the start of the fete, with a ceremonial march into the grounds.

“Strolling singers the Beaulieu Warblers will be in action on the Palace House lawns, and entertainment in the arena will include Maypole dancing by children from Beaulieu School, plus a repeat of last year’s Dog and Owner competition.”

The theme of this year’s fete, which starts at 1.30pm, is Myths and Legends.