Ben Shephard looks unrecognisable as he reveals his surprising role in Harry Potter as a long haired wizard
Ben Shephard looked unrecognizable as he gave a glimpse of his surprise role in Harry Potter during Tuesday’s episode of This Morning.
The presenter, 49, and Cat, 47, will make their debut as regular hosts of the ITV program on March 11, eventually replacing Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.
The hosts were discussing Miriam Margolye’s recent comments about adult fans of the franchise when Ben made the shocked admission.
Ben showed a photo of himself in character, with long shoulder-length hair and a thick mustache.
“Mrs. S still longs for the long hair and full mustache,” he joked.
Ben Shephard, 49, looked unrecognizable as he gave a glimpse of his surprise role in Harry Potter during Tuesday’s episode of This Morning
A photo of him in character showed Ben with long shoulder-length hair and a thick mustache
He appeared in a scene in Fred and George’s Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes in Diagon Alley, but his role in the franchise was uncredited and his scene was cut on the cutting floor.
Ben was filming a behind-the-scenes documentary for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in 2009 when he was offered part of the extra.
It comes after Mirjam angry adult Harry Potter fans by claiming that they should be ‘over’ the book by now, just as it is ‘for children’.
The actress, 82, and national treasure played Professor Sprout in the critically acclaimed film series based on the books by JK Rowling.
Despite insisting it was ‘amazing’ and she was ‘very grateful’ to the franchise, the BAFTA award-winning actress said adult fans should be ‘over that’ by now, just like ‘for kids’.
In an interview with New Zealand television network 1News, Miriam admitted: ‘I worry about Harry Potter fans.
She continued, “They should be over that by now. It was 25 years ago and it’s for kids. I think it’s for children.
“But they get stuck in it and I’m making cameos and people say, ‘Oh, we’re having a Harry Potter-themed wedding’ and I think, ‘Gosh, what their first night of fun will be like.’ I can’t even think about it.’
He appeared in a scene in Fred and George’s Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes in Diagon Alley
It comes after Miriam Margolyes (pictured) angered adult Harry Potter fans by claiming they should be ‘over’ the book by now, just as it is ‘for children’.
“Harry Potter is amazing, I’m very grateful for it, it’s over,” she concluded.
Ben and Cat were officially unveiled as the new permanent faces of This Morning on February 16.
Cat had reportedly struggled to choose between the breakfast show and her £43,000-per-episode US gig in So You Think You Can Dance.
Ben had his final GMB show on February 23, leaving behind his ‘on-screen wife’ Kate Garraway of almost two decades.
He said at the time: “Of course, one of the hardest decisions is knowing that my mornings with Kate, my on-screen wife of almost 20 years, are coming to an end.”
The pair had been in discussions for several months prior to the announcement.
It was claimed that Cat had finally won with a lucrative deal, but insiders at ITV denied the claims.
Instead, they emphasized that it was the opportunity to spend more time with family, during a big payday, that ultimately sealed the deal.
The news was confirmed via a bespoke promo on This Morning’s Twitter, starring only Ben.
He walked down the famous This Morning production corridor and placed a new photo of Cat on the wall, before turning to the camera as the photo came to life.
Cat said: “This Morning is a national institution. Whenever it’s on, it’s like having your friends over – funny, smart, silly, sincere, informative and cheerful – like all best friendships!…
Ben and Cat were officially unveiled as the new permanent faces of This Morning on February 16
Former Good Morning Britain singer Ben had his last show on February 23 and is leaving his ‘on-screen wife’ Kate Garraway after almost 20 years
‘This morning is and remains the viewer’s show. Ben and I both know how much people love it, and with the help of a great team of people, we’re going to do our best to make it happen.”
Ben added: “This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning. It is an honor to be entrusted with the leadership. Join Alison and Dermot and the whole team who work both on and off screen doing such amazing work…
‘Over the past ten years I’ve been waking up to our ITV daytime audience on GMB and I’m now looking forward to spending time with Cat…
‘Welcoming viewers home after the school run or their early morning routine, with a cup of tea and a mix of everything that makes This Morning so loved.’