Pandora: Sir Anthony Hopkins goes missing as his art show opens

Sir Anthony Hopkins may be known for his starring roles in Hollywood blockbusters, but he's not averse to dabbling in alternative disciplines. A keen pianist, he released a single in 1986 and has collaborated with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

Now the actor, who took up painting eight years ago and has his own studio at home in Malibu, California, is to put his work on show in London for the first time – at Mayfair's Gallery 27.

Following its debut, Sir Anthony plans to take the exhibition to Edinburgh and then to his native Wales. Sadly, despite organisers lining up a star-studded guest list for the launch this evening, we are told the artist himself will not be present to oversee proceedings.

"He found out he was going to be away filming," a spokesman explains. Instead, the exhibition's curator, Jonathan Pool, will play host.

It's not the fist time that work commitments have interfered with Sir Anthony's extracurricular pursuits. Famously a fan of Only Fools and Horses, he once had his own guest role created in the series. In the event, he was forced to hand it over to his actor friend, Roy Marsden.

Sir Anthony, now 72, was otherwise engaged with a little film called Silence Of The Lambs – so, nothing too pressing, then.

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Uh-oh ... Lembit eyes up Aniston

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Caan gets his microphone

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Nick Clegg minds the transport gap

*Passing Swiss Cottage tube station in north-west London on Friday, who should Pandora walk past but Nick Clegg, mid-photo opportunity alongside the Liberal Democrats' local candidate Ed Fordham. Carrying signs bearing the slogan "Seven-day charge for a five-day service", the party was protesting against Transport for London's weekend closures. But had Mr Clegg himself, Pandora wondered, got the Tube to the protest's location? "Er, no, but ..." came his aide's response. All change!