Holidaying Hugh Grant mobbed by Italian fans

The star, who is best known for his roles in British romantic comedies such as Bridget Jones and Four Weddings and a Funeral, was spotted on Sunday in Perugia, in the company of friends – including Evgeny Lebedev, the owner of the British newspapers the Evening Standard and The Independent.

Dressed in a light blue shirt, beige trousers and sunglasses, the 52-year-old actor and his friends were spotted entering a gelateria in Piazza IV Novembre in the town’s historical centre, Perugia Today reports.

But before the friends had time to order their ice-creams they were accosted by dozens of fans and promptly left.

Umbria is apparently a favourite holiday destination for the star, who reportedly enjoys playing golf in the region.

“Whether it’s the peacefulness and privacy that Umbria offers or else the good cooking and artistic beauty, the fact is that Hugh Grant, the famous English actor, one of the most loved in Hollywood, seems to be completely in love with the region, to the point that he has become a regular [visitor],” muses the paper.

Whatever the reason, the Italian press has made no secret of their delight at the star's choice of holiday destination.