The role of Ginny Weasley is being recast for season two of the new Harry Potter series due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
It was announced on Monday that actress Gracie Cochrane will step away from the role as the youngest member of the Weasley family in the upcoming HBO TV adaptation of the fantasy series.
A statement from the Cochrane family said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances Gracie has made the challenging decision to step away from her role as Ginny Weasley in the HBO Harry Potter series after season one.
“Her time as part of the Harry Potter world has been truly wonderful, and she is deeply grateful to Lucy Bevan and the entire production team for creating such an unforgettable experience.
“Gracie is very excited about the opportunities her future holds.”
The upcoming series is based on the best-selling books by JK Rowling, and will be a faithful adaptation of her novels, while providing a wider insight into the magical wizarding world beyond that depicted in the hit film franchise.
A spokesperson for HBO said: “We support Gracie Cochrane and her family’s decision not to return for the next season of HBO’s Harry Potter series, and we are grateful for her work on season one of the show.
“We wish Gracie and her family the best.”
The three young wizards, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger are played by Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton.
The cast includes Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape and US actor John Lithgow as the wise and powerful headmaster of Hogwarts, Professor Albus Dumbledore.
The first season of the HBO show will launch this Christmas, and has been adapted from Rowling’s first novel, Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone.
