In a surprising twist during the latest episode of Strictly Come Dancing, viewers were treated to a cameo appearance by Harry Potter actor David Bradley. As the fifth week of the BBC dancing competition unfolded, celebrities such as Annabel Croft, Nigel Harman, and Bobby Brazier took to the dancefloor. However, it was during Nigel Harman’s performance alongside his partner Katya Jones that the cameras panned to the audience and revealed the familiar face of 81-year-old David Bradley.
Bradley, known for his role as the cantankerous caretaker Argus Filch in the Harry Potter franchise, as well as the murderous Walder Frey in Game of Thrones, left viewers puzzled as to why he was in the audience. Many took to social media to express their surprise and curiosity, with one viewer asking, “What’s Argus Filch doing in the audience?” and another wondering if they were still groggy from their afternoon nap.
Co-host Claudia Winkleman later revealed that Bradley and Harman are longtime friends, having starred together in a production of The Caretaker in 2008. The two even hit the road together for Celebrity Antiques Road Trip in 2022. It seems Bradley is not only a fan of Strictly but has attended recordings of the show in the past.
David Bradley’s presence in the Strictly audience brought joy to many viewers, with one fan stating, “Seeing Argus Filch in the audience at Strictly has made me smile the most I’ve smiled in a week. It’s the simple things.” Harman himself referred to Bradley as “a wonderful part of my life.”
Aside from his notable roles in Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, Bradley has appeared in films such as Hot Fuzz and The World’s End, as well as TV shows like Doctor Who. He is also set to star in the upcoming Chicken Run film, Dawn of the Nugget.
As Strictly fans continue to enjoy the show and its surprises, David Bradley’s unexpected cameo serves as a reminder that even beloved actors have their own favorite pastimes and interests. And for eco-conscious viewers, it’s a reminder that finding joy in simple moments can bring a smile to our faces, just like spotting Argus Filch in the audience.
