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PERCY WEASLEY DROPS IN


Red haired Chris dons a wizard's hat to become Percy Weasley

One of the stars of the New Harry Potter film has been in Derby spreading a bit of magic in the city.

Chris Rankin, who plays Percy Weasley, 'broomsticked' in to visit a couple of schools in Derby and called by BBC Radio Derby on the way.

Percy is the oldest of the Weasley family who all sport the same shocking red hair. As head of the Gryffindor house, he finds himself responsible for taking care of the young Harry Potter and his own younger brother Ron, who becomes Harry's best friend.

The film stars the likes of Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith, Zoe Wannamaker and Alan Rickman.

Chris beat hundreds of hopefuls to the part despite the fact that he had no previous experience in acting or the movies - apart from a few school productions.

Chris Rankin as himself!

But landing the part of prefect Percy in the film was nothing to do with magic spells, or natural broomstick talent - only luck.

He said: "I'd never done anything like this in my life. I saw a piece about it on Newsround on the BBC and decided to write to the address to try for an audition."

"They sent me a bit of script one day and expected me to be in London at nine the following morning for a read through.... it was very demanding."

Although Chris has landed a plum part in the Harry Potter movie, he admits it has been hard work along the way.

He had his first taste of 'super-stardom' at the film's premier in Leicester Square and had only one word to describe it - 'mindblowing!'

He's now working out how he's going to deal with becoming a celebrity at the age of 18.

Chris admits to loving the film and says he's convinced the Harry Potter phenomenon will continue for years to come.

Filming for the second film, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, starts next week.

You can expect to see much more of the Weasleys - including new pupil Ginny who plays a vital role and develops a huge crush on our hero, Harry.

Chris says some of his favourite moments were scenes with Rick Mayall which never made it to the final version of the film: "Rick is a tremendous and funny character and so good to be with. Working with him was an...... experience!"

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone opens to muggles at cinemas on Thursday 15th November.

Listen as Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley) and local teacher John McGill talk to BBC Radio Derby's David Harvey. (requires RealPlayer)

Article taken from BBC Derby.