'A really great idea': Kit Harington reveals why he joined Harry Potter TV series

Kit Harington believes that the Harry Potter TV series is a "great idea".

The 39-year-old actor has been cast as Hogwarts professor Gilderoy Lockhart in the small screen adaptation of J.K. Rowling's wizardry novels and explained that he signed up for the show - despite the anger surrounding Rowling's controversial views on trans rights - because he is a "lifelong fan" of the franchise.

Speaking on Wednesday's (16.09.26) episode of Today, Kit said: "I've been a lifelong Harry Potter fan. I was a fan when I was a kid, and then I rediscovered it as an adult, listening to it every night. I listen to it every single night, and it helps me go to sleep, and I know how other people do that as well, so they're really important books to me."

The Game of Thrones star continued: "When I knew this was happening as a series, I thought it was the best idea. Because I love the films, but with this, they can really explore the books at their fullest, and for a book nerd like me, that was a really great idea."

Kit, who replaced Nicholas Hoult in the role, confirmed that the Harry Potter series - which is set to premiere on HBO at Christmas - has started production on its second season but he daren't give anything away about the "secretive" project.

"I feel like there's sort of HBO snipers everywhere. I can't say anything. It's the most secretive thing."

It won't be the first time that Kit has taken on the role of Gilderoy, as he previously voiced the character in Audible's Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions, which was released last year.

Speaking previously about being cast in the audio production, the Industry actor said of the famous book series: "I read it, and like so many generations, I was entranced, and then I was a huge fan all through my teenage years.

He also told Variety about the audio role: "It was a really simple yes, because I love the character.

"As far as cameos in a series go, you don't get much more entertaining and fun to do as an actor than Gilderoy Lockhart. It was a no-brainer."