James and Oliver Phelps, the actors who played the mischievous Weasley twins in the Harry Potter films, recently returned to the iconic Hogwarts Great Hall. This time, however, it wasn’t for spells and potions, but for the grand finale of their Food Network baking competition show, “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking.”
The six-episode series, filmed at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, featured nine teams of bakers creating magical treats inspired by the Harry Potter universe. The finale, held in the very Great Hall where countless memorable scenes were filmed, marked a special moment for the Phelps twins and the contestants.
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Returning to the Great Hall to announce the winner evoked a flood of memories for James Phelps. He described experiencing flashbacks of his 11 years filming in that very location, from his first day on set to filming iconic scenes. He emphasized the significance of the moment, recognizing that the competition had the power to change the lives of the winning bakers.
The Great Hall, a central location in the Harry Potter series for feasts, celebrations, and even battles, provided a fitting backdrop for the finale. It holds a special place in the hearts of fans and the Phelps twins alike, brimming with nostalgia and memories of their youth.
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James compared returning to Leavesden Studios to revisiting one’s high school, filled with memories and a sense of familiarity. He also highlighted the opportunity to share the experience with fellow Harry Potter cast members Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), and Warwick Davis (Professor Filius Flitwick), who all made guest appearances on the show.
For Oliver Phelps, the experience was made even more special by bringing his daughter to the set. While she was less interested in the Harry Potter connection, she was captivated by the elaborate final cakes created by the contestants. This highlighted the show’s appeal to both baking enthusiasts and Harry Potter fans.
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The Phelps twins emphasized the significance of the baking challenge for the contestants, who were all dedicated Harry Potter fans. They were reminded that they were the first to create such unique bakes in the iconic Great Hall, a truly special honor. The twins also acknowledged the enduring magic of the Harry Potter series and its continued impact on fans worldwide.
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Oliver shared an anecdote about playfully sitting at the head table in the Great Hall, only to be quickly corrected by studio tour staff. This humorous incident underscored the reverence for the Harry Potter set and the enduring magic of the franchise. While the original film series concluded in 2011, the “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” finale serves as a testament to the lasting legacy of the wizarding world.
