Famous people you didn’t know were extras in Harry Potter

The Harry Potter series is known for its ensemble of famous actors, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who became famous for their roles in the magical saga.

In addition to these well-known names, there were established talents such as Miriam Margoyles, Dame Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman and Dame Julie Walters who graced the screen with their performances.

What may surprise many fans, however, is the presence of now-famous celebrities who were mere extras before their big break.

The films featured countless extras populating famous locations such as Diagon Alley, the Hogwarts Express and the Great Hall, some of whom are now very well known.

Among them are Rege-Jean Page from Bridgerton, Jesy Nelson from Little Mix and even Ben Shephard, a well-known face on British morning television.

Here we reveal the now-famous people who were once fused with the backstory of Harry Potter, reports the Mirror.

Tom Ackerley

During an appearance on the Graham Norton Show, acclaimed actress Margot Robbie revealed that her husband Tom Ackerley was an extra in the Harry Potter films.

She revealed that he starred in The Prisoner of Azkaban, the third film in the series.

Margot said: “He was an extra. When he was a little boy, he was one of the Slytherin extras.”

Recalling a particular scene with amusement, she said, “In the third book, when Draco pushes some kids out of the way to see Buckbeak, he pushes my husband out of the way.”

jessy nelson

Jesy Nelson, best known as a former member of Little Mix, made a brief appearance in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

It can be spotted in the Yule Ball scene if you pause at the right moment while the school choir is singing.

Daniel Harmer

Dani Harmer, who won our hearts as Tracy Beaker, also appeared in the Hogwarts films. In one of the scenes in the Great Hall, she can be seen as a Gryffindor student next to Fred and George.

You can miss this moment if you blink.

Rege-Jean Page

Rege-Jean Page, who charmed audiences during lockdown as Simon Basset in Bridgerton, had a small role in Deathly Hallows Part 1. He can be seen standing behind Hermione when Kingsley’s Patronus interrupts Bill and Fleur’s wedding.

It’s only a brief moment, but attentive viewers will spot it.

Ben Shephard

TV presenter Ben Shephard also had a cameo appearance in “Harry Potter”, although you would hardly recognise him with his long hair and moustache.

The television presenter takes on the role of a “wizard father” and makes a brief appearance in The Half-Blood Prince, in a scene from Fred and George Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes.