The Dorset-based actor returns to our screen in March in an exciting new drama. If you want to meet Martin in person join him at this year’s Buckham Fair

The Broadchurch 9pm Monday night slot is to be filled with another drama with a strong Dorset connection. Starring Beaminster-based actor Martin Clunes, Arthur & George is a three-part adaptation of Julian Barnes’s novel based on an intriguing series of genuine events in the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Clunes will play the celebrated novelist and physician who created the detective Sherlock Holmes. After the death of his wife Conan Doyle recaptures his zest for life by pursuing and challenging a notorious miscarriage of justice - the case of George Edalji, a hard-working solicitor and the son of Hampshire vicar, Reverend Shapurji Edalji and his wife Charlotte. George has served seven years in Pentonville Prison for allegedly mutilating animals and sending threatening letters, a series of offences which have become known as The Great Wyrley Rippings.

Set in 1903 in Staffordshire, Hampshire and London with the backdrop of Conan Doyle’s family home, Undershaw, Sir Arthur joins forces with his trusted manservant, Alfred ‘Woody’ Wood with whom he has a very strong bond. The three part drama is due to air on Monday 2 March at 9pm.

If you would like to meet Martin Clunes in person then why not join him at his annual fundraising event Buckham Fair, held on his farm just outside Beaminster in West Dorset.

This year’s hugely popular event, which has already raised over £250,000 for local charities, is being held on Sunday 23 August in aid of Julia’s House Children’s Hospice. Once again it will be supported by Dorset Magazine.

The Buckham Fair ‘ethos’ is to create an old fashioned Fair atmosphere that over 12,000 visitors enjoy every year. You can see Martin Clunes help judge the Best Rescue Class, enjoy watching the TV stunt dog displays and heavy horse events, including Martin’s own two horses Ronnie and Bruce. Have a ride on the Big Wheel or just soak up the view and enjoy some great local food and hospitality.

No wonder Buckham Fair was mentioned as one of the top 10 reasons to visit Dorset in The Sunday Times. Adult ticket is £5 on the gate and under 16s are free of charge. For more information see buckhamfair.co.uk

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READ ON

• Interview with Buckham Fair founders Martin and Philippa Clunes - Martin Clunes is the Doctor Dolittle of TV comedy. Acting might be his day job but animals are his passion. The Doc Martin stalwart houses a veritable menagerie at his Beaminster estate.

• Martin Clunes on his love affair with the equine world - Martin Clunes followed his wife and daughter into riding never expecting that it would lead to a love affair with these giants of the equine world.

• Broadchurch to return for series 3 - As the dust settles on series two of Broadchurch – Joe Miller is acquitted and then run out of town by two angry mums (Ellie and Beth), and the Sandbrook case is finally solved – Ricky did it with help from Claire and Lee - the news that lit up Twitter was that Broadchurch is to return for a third series.