Hollywood actor flees his Notting Hill hotel amid carnival chaos 'It was a nightmare'

Robert Sean Leonard is currently in London to appear in a theatre production of Psychological Thriller 'Interview' at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, but took time out of his hectic schedule to appear on Channel 4's Sunday Brunch with Steph McGovern and Simon Rimmer.

In conversation with the show hosts, the Dead Poet Society actor revealed he checked out of his hotel in London's upmarket Notting Hill, as the yearly carnival festivities saw the local Tesco be "boarded up" like a "tornado was coming towards it" as he shared his dismay at the scenes.

He shared of his experience: "It was a nightmare, I'm from New York, I can take it, the Tesco was boarded up like a tornado was coming."

Steph interjected: "Ah of course, Carnival." Robert continued: "I should get out. I fell desperately asleep at midnight (after moving to another hotel)."

The 56-year-old star, who played Dr James Wilson opposite Hugh Laurie in the long-running medical drama House, has kept a relatively low profile in recent years, focusing on stage work and his family life in New Jersey. But his appearance on the Channel 4 cooking and chat show delighted fans, with many nostalgic for his breakout role as Neil Perry in Dead Poets Society, the 1989 classic alongside Robin Williams and Ethan Hawke.

One typed: "Saw my goat Dr. James Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) in a play tonight. Pretty fun if a little awkward. The actress was phenomenal and RSL is just naturally charming." (sic)

A second replied: "Yes, I am so happy to see Robert Sean Leonard on my TL, even if I won't be able to go see the interview, I'm so happy for everyone who is able to go and see him and get a photo with him!"

While a third shared: "Breaking news: for Robert Sean Leonard's appearance on Sunday Brunch, he will be given a bowl of oranges, with a side of oranges, and a tall glass of orange juice- he may even try a tangerine!"

Europe's biggest street party, Notting Hill Carnival attracts more than two million visitors each year for a weekend of music, parades and Caribbean culture. But it also comes with heavy policing. This year saw dozens of arrests for offences ranging from drugs to assaults, with officers again deploying knife arches and dispersal orders to keep crowds under control.