Absolutely Fabulous star Helen Lederer showed off her wine expertise as she gave a tasting at Highgate’s Lauderdale House to raise money for its restoration project.

The comedy actress, who played Catriona in the long-running BBC sitcom, showed guests how to tell the difference between a Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Blanc on Tuesday at the fundraiser for the Lauderdale Transformed scheme.

A blind test to see if guests could spot the difference between champagne, Cava or English sparkling wine flummoxed many on the night.

Katherine Ives, director of Lauderdale House, said: “It was a very sociable evening. We have introduced a whole new group of people to the house and made many new friends as well.”