Date: October 27, 2023
During last Saturday night’s live broadcast of Strictly Come Dancing, fans were delighted to spot David Bradley, renowned for his role as Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch, among the studio audience. Harman, a current contestant on the show, shared the touching story of their friendship during an appearance on the spin-off show, It Takes Two, hosted by Janette Manrara.
The bond between Harman and Bradley dates back to 2006 when they collaborated on the play The Caretaker. “The day I met Dave was the day my dad was discharged into palliative care because he had leukemia. Dave’s always had this special part in my life,” Harman revealed, his voice filled with emotion. “He just appears in those magic kind of moments.“
Their friendship deepened over the years, leading to joint projects like the 2018 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip. Harman reminisced, “He phoned me up and said, ‘Look, they’ve asked me to do Celebrity Antiques Roadshow, I’m only gonna do it if you do it,’ and I went, ‘Alright, I’ll do it with you’.”
When asked about the possibility of Bradley joining him on Strictly, Harman’s face lit up. “I think he’d do it, yeah, he loves it! He loves it. Let’s get him in,” he exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious.
Bradley, known not only for his role in the Harry Potter series but also for his appearances in Game of Thrones and Doctor Who, has clearly found a lifelong friend in Harman. Their heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the magic that can be found not only on screen but also in the genuine connections formed between colleagues turned friends in the entertainment industry.
Strictly Come Dancing continues to captivate audiences every Saturday and Sunday on BBC One, with its companion show, Strictly: It Takes Two, airing on weeknights on BBC Two. Both programs are available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, allowing fans to relive the enchantment of the dance floor and the heartfelt camaraderie that exists behind the scenes.
