Rumours that the Harry Potter books were to be turned into a TV series as a reboot of the film franchise have been widely circulating over the last few weeks.
But up until now, fans were unsure how much truth there was to the talks.
Harry Potter is arguably one of the most successful and best-loved literary franchises of all time, with seven books published between 1997 and 2007, selling more than 500 million copies worldwide, and eight film adaptations of the books released between 2001 and 2011 – which is the fourth highest-grossing film series of all time, with $7.7 billion in worldwide receipts.
The success of the books and film franchise changed the life of author JK Rowling, and made household names out of the films’ young cast of actors led by Daniel Radcliffe as the titular character, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley.
The franchise also has one of the most dedicated fanbases there is, and defined life for many growing up in the late nineties and throughout the 2000s.
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The Harry Potter TV series is actually happening and JK Rowling is producing it / Credit: JK Rowling (via Facebook)
Harry Potter has continued to prove enduringly popular around the world, even more than a decade after the last book and film was released – but in the past several years, the series has been somewhat tainted with controversy after author JK Rowling has been strongly criticised for her views on gender identity, and has continued to be publicly vocal in her condemnation of transgender people and the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite this growing controversy, despite the millions of gamers choosing to boycott the new ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ game released only a few months ago, and despite the concerns of fans about turning Harry Potter into a new TV series at such a contentious time, it’s been confirmed by this week that it’s actually happening.
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A Harry Potter TV series is officially in the works – and, not only that, but JK Rowling is set to serve as the series’ executive producer.
Set to be available on HBO Max – which is a streaming service by Warner Bros. – the Harry Potter series could be on air for up to a decade, will be a “faithful adaptation” of the books about the wizarding world, and will feature a different cast to the films – with producers saying each season promises to be “authentic to the original books” and bring Harry Potter to new audiences.
HBO Max has assured fans that the original Harry Potter films will remain “at the core” of the franchise.
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It’s been revealed that film producer David Heyman, who famously produced all eight films in the movie franchise, is also in talks to work on the TV series.
Speaking on the news that the Harry Potter TV series is actually happening, Casey Bloys – Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content – said: “We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way.
“Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the wizarding world.
“In partnership with Warner Bros. Television and JK Rowling, this new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.”
JK Rowling says she is “looking forward” to the new TV series, adding that the “new adaptation will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series”.
Featured Image – Warner Bros.
TV & Showbiz
The Hundred is calling for up-and-coming presenters to co-host this year’s tournament
Danny Jones
The Hundred 2025 is fast approaching and cricket’s fastest-growing tournament is once again asking for aspiring presenters to join their roster of co-hosts and help cover the action.
The fast-paced 100-ball format is entering its fifth year and next to T20, you find a more accessible and thrilling form of cricket, so it’s no wonder the competition is gaining a greater audience each year.
With that in mind, the need for a top-notch broadcast team is more crucial than ever but just like those who backed The Hundred in its infancy, they’re looking to invest in future creatives and on-screen talent.
Are you someone looking to get into presenting or know someone who is? Keep reading.
For the fifth year in a row, we want you to be part of #TheHundredRising! 🎤
So how does it work? Well, it’s pretty straightforward: The Hundred is looking for eight up-and-coming presenters to join their team of main venue hosts up and down the country.
Tasked with guiding and talking fans through an action-packed five weeks across all host cities, successful applicants will be responsible for building excitement and atmosphere inside the seven cricket grounds on each match day.
From player and pundit interviews to crowd engagement and interactive other activations with partnered brands, not to mention members of this year’s live music lineup, you’ll be a key part of putting out the top-quality sports and entertainment product they promise every year.
The best part of all is that no prior hosting experience is necessary – this is all about platforming you and The Hundred as a whole.
Successful applicants will be mentored by the main hosts at their respective venues and will attend a two-day workshop with special guests to get them ready to hit the stage this summer.
The ‘Rising Hosts’ scheme has been set up in tandem with their dedicated event production agency, Progress Productions, which will be in charge throughout the application and selection process.
Shortlisted applicants will then have their details shared with the ECB (English Cricket Board) who will be involved when it comes to making their final decisions.
It goes without saying that even if you just love sports or just want to find a way into the industry, this is an opportunity that is not to be missed.
Sarah Harding breast cancer study has helped save over 80 women
Thomas Melia
A life-saving study set in memory of Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding has seen her lasting legacy extend far beyond music, as now women across the country are getting cancer tests more frequentlythanks to the research.
Funded by The Christie, The Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal began its first phase of the BCAN-RAY (Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Younger Women) back in May 2023.
Led by Dr Sacha Howell, who was Harding’s consultant, the work explores risk factors and creates personalised early screening options for women as young as 30.
This is extremely important as currently women are only invited for routine breast screenings every three years from 50 onwards. Awareness and being proactive are just as important as research.
Sarah Harding, who passed away in 2021, has a dedicated mural in her hometown of Stockport.Credit: The Manc Group
The studies set up in Sarah‘s legacy are vital now more than ever as breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women aged 35-50 years in the UK.
These more frequent and routine checks from a younger age will be vital, especially since an estimated 10,000 women a year are diagnosed under 50.
The BCAN-RAY study has recruited 500 women aged between 30 and 39 years old, who have had their risk assessment appointments.
Out of this number – 404 patients have been given their risks – 316 as ‘average risk’ and 88 were found as ‘increased risk’.
88 were found as ‘increased risk’ with 58 of these receiving telephone calls to discuss further implications and discuss strategies to reduce this such as diet, exercise and medication.
So far 18 women have had their first mammogram, with no recalls or cancer identified. Following this, each woman is offered regular screening every year until their NHS breast screening starts at age 50.
Dr Sacha Howell commented, “We’re really confident that we have a system that is working, from the results so far, which is great news, these findings mean that we may be able to offer personalised ways to predict and prevent breast cancer more widely in the population in future”.
Girls Aloud featured a glorious tribute to Sarah Harding each night of the show.The lovely Sarah Harding singing to Manchester one last time.Credit: Audio North
In 2022, The Christie art and relaxation room received a wonderful makeover from proceeds raised at the Primrose Ball organised by Girls Aloud.
Within this room, visitors can find a lovely framed picture of Sarah Harding with the quote, “The darkest nights produce the brightest stars” and with all the work accomplished so far, we couldn’t agree more.
If you would like to show your support and help fund this life-changing research set up in Sarah’s legacy, you can donate HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
14th April 2023 
