Harry Potter star Tom Felton defends co-star Daniel Radcliffe amid drug-taking allegations

Nov 22 2009 by Sophie Cross, Sunday Mercury

“He did ring me last week,” he added. “He’s a trouper; he’s doing his best. I just reassured him that the vast majority of people are on his side.”

Thousands have flocked to the Memorabilia show, which ends today, to meet their favourite celebrities from the film, television and sporting worlds.

Felton attended the exhibition with fellow Harry Potter star Warwick Davis, who has a number of roles in the films, most recently as Professor Flitwick and Griphook.

The pair are shooting scenes for the final instalment of the hit wizard boy series – the two-part Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

“We’ve just finished doing the most substantial bits of filming,” said Felton. “I think we’re revelling in the fact that this is it – the last one. I get quite emotional just thinking about it.”

Felton’s bad boy character Draco is renowned for his sinister sneer and shock of white blonde hair – which the actor said he was more than happy to be parting with.

“I’m looking forward to not being blond anymore!” he said. “I’ve forgotten what my real hair colour is. I’m not sure if blondes have more fun. They say that about bad boys, too, don’t they?”

But the young star said it was not difficult playing his stony-faced character, joking: “I always feel quite lucky to be playing him – his expression is usually quite vacant.

“Someone asked me if playing a moody character makes you happier in real life and I think it does! But he does have a really interesting future. We’ve seen his journey come full circle and it’s exciting for me to be able to continue.”

Also greeting fans and signing autographs during this weekend’s exhibition are cast members from sci-fi classics Star Trek, Doctor Who, The X Files and Supernatural.

Stars from cult prison drama Prisoner Cell Block H took part, marking the show’s 30th anniversary.

Football fans met heroes including Eusébio, Denis Law and Archie Gemmill while other sports aficionados got to rub shoulders with British boxing legend Nigel Benn and a number of superstar wrestlers.