The latest episode of His Dark Materials featured a guest star that Harry Potter fans were particularly excited about.
Episode four of the hit BBC show not only saw the introduction of Lin-Manuel Miranda as aeronaut Lee Scoresby and armoured bear Iorick Byrnison, (voiced by Joe Tandberg), but featured a supporting role played by Harry Melling, the actor best known for playing Dudley Dursey in the Harry Potter films.
Melling appeared in a small role as Trollesund citizen Sysselmann, who almost gets crushed to death by Iorick in the closing moments of the episode.
Harry Potter fans were quick to express their surprise at Melling's appearance on Twitter.
"Of course Dudley Dursley grew up to work for the Magisterium," one wrote, referencing the church that exerts a strong control over society in the Philip Pullman-created universe.
Another wrote: "The last thing I expect from His Dark Materials is to see Dudley Dursley being beat up by an armoured bear."
See a selection of the best reactions below.
Melling also starred in last night's episode of the BBC drama War of the Worlds, which stars Robert Carlyle – a fact that wasn't lost on many Twitter users.
His Dark Materials continues every Sunday at 8pm on BBC One.
