Harry Potter’s Rupert Grint ‘starstruck’ as he meets footballer James Maddison

Harry Potter star Rupert Grint has said he was “starstruck” to meet Tottenham Hotspur and England footballer James Maddison.

The 36-year-old actor, who plays Ron Weasley in the fantasy film series, shared a clip of the pair meeting on social media, before watching the team he supports beat Ipswich Town 4-1 with singer Ed Sheeran, who supports and sponsors the Suffolk side.

In a video posted to Instagram, Grint tells Maddison: “I’m starstruck, how are you doing?”

To which Maddison, 28, replied: “I’m the starstruck one here, honestly I’m such a big Harry Potter fan, what did I say to you, I’m going to be the one who’s starstruck here.”

Showing Grint his Harry Potter tattoos, the midfielder continued: “There’s a few on there, one of the platform and Harry’s scar, that shows you how much of a fanboy I am.”

The pair shared a hug and later posed for a photo, as the actor told Maddison the tattoos were “so cool”.

During Saturday’s game Grint watched from the stands with Sheeran, whose Lego House music video he starred in, in 2011.

Maddison, who once played for Ipswich’s rivals Norwich City, posted an image of his tattoos on social media after the match.

In the image he is pointing at the Canary badge of the Norfolk-based team, who Ipswich have failed to beat in more than 15 years.

Spurs’ 4-1 win at Portman Road left Sheeran’s team five points adrift in the Premier League relegation zone, while the London side sit in 12th.

Grint is best known for appearing in all eight of the Harry Potter films, beginning with Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone (2001) and concluding with Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011).

He has also appeared in films such as Driving Lessons (2006), Knock At The Cabin (2023) and Thunderpants (2002).