In a captivating new photoshoot for the prestigious lifestyle publication Harper's Bazaar, former Harry Potter actress Katie Leung casts a different kind of spell, posing elegantly in a black tulle dress by the high-end designer Roksanda. The stunning visual feature showcases the Scots actress, who first rose to fame playing Hogwarts student Cho Chang in the beloved wizarding film series.
Glamorous Transition to Bridgerton
This glamorous outing marks the latest highlight for Ms Leung as she actively promotes her new role in the Netflix smash-hit period drama, Bridgerton. In the show's fourth series, she portrays Lady Araminta Gun, a twice-married and twice-widowed aristocrat within the alternative history Regency romance setting.
Beyond the Cinderella Comparison
The plot bears sharp similarities to the classic Cinderella tale, with Lady Araminta effectively taking on the role of the wicked stepmother as she seeks to marry off her two daughters, while one of her female servants attends a grand ball in disguise and captures the heart of the most eligible bachelor. However, Ms Leung argues there is much more depth to her character than any simple fairytale comparison might suggest.
She explained to Harper's Bazaar: 'At the beginning, the show-runners emphasised how important it was to find Araminta's humanity, to include her past struggles. She has a real sense of purpose and the decisions she makes are out of love and protection in a world where marriage is all.'
Personal Connections and Career Reflections
Speaking about her similarities with the Bridgerton character, Ms Leung revealed: 'There's something romantic about the way she floats about. On the outside, she seems poised and calm, but the cogs are turning underneath. That's how I've been for the best part of my life, because I was afraid to express myself.'
Now 38 years old, Ms Leung also disclosed that, despite thoroughly enjoying her role in the romantic Netflix series, she remains drawn to grittier scripts. She is about to begin shooting a Channel 4 series titled Careless, which also stars fellow Scot Solly McLeod and focuses intently on the foster care system.
From Potter to Present
Reflecting on her career trajectory, Ms Leung added with a laugh: 'There's always a lot of melodrama in my roles. I'd love to do a kitchen-sink drama. Or comedy, which scares me.' She further shared: 'When I was younger, I was determined to meet everyone else's expectations, while I could never reach my own. I don't have those same goals and, as a result, I've been given many more opportunities. It's been really freeing.'
Early Beginnings in Motherwell
Growing up in Motherwell, Ms Leung had no formal acting training before being thrust into the global spotlight at the tender age of 16. She landed the role of Harry Potter's first love, Cho Chang, in The Goblet of Fire, the fourth film in the wizard franchise. This iconic part has significantly shaped her public image ever since.
She subsequently featured in all the following sequels, including The Order of the Phoenix, The Half-Blood Prince, and both parts of The Deathly Hallows. The full awards-season portfolio featuring Katie Leung can be found in the March issue of Harper's Bazaar, which is currently available in shops.
