BREAKING: In a stunning revelation, former Harry Potter stars James and Oliver Phelps exposed the unexpected reality of filming in the iconic Great Hall. The Weasley twins disclosed that the set was far from the enchanting experience it appeared to be, describing it as having a “strong and unpleasant odor.”
During a recent interview, the brothers, now hosts of the cooking show Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking on Food Network, shared their memories of filming over 25 years ago. They confirmed that the set was often filled with the smell of “dirty socks” during hot summer days.
Oliver Phelps stated, “It was funny because when we were filming any Great Hall day, there would be so many smells. Even now, if I watch those scenes, I can still smell roasting or oiled vegetables — which isn’t a great smell.” Despite the unpleasant odors, the Phelps brothers fondly recalled their time on set, emphasizing the magic of the films.
The Great Hall might have looked beautiful on screen, but the reality was much different. “To look good for all the feasts, they wanted all these turkeys and everything like that,” Oliver added. “But yeah, the elements I just think of are smelly socks, pretty much.”
Their cooking show, which airs new episodes on Saturdays at 8:00 PM ET and 5:00 PM PT, showcases a far more pleasant kitchen environment. The nostalgia from those filming days continues to resonate with the twins, who expressed amazement at their ability to recall so many details from behind the scenes.
James Phelps reflected on the unique experience of being part of such a monumental film series. “I think like anyone that’s in any movie, if you watch it back, you remember what you were doing behind the camera at that time,” he said.
The brothers shared memorable moments, including filming a dance scene with the late Maggie Smith, who portrayed Professor McGonagall. “We were trying our best to act composed, having just returned from a music festival the day before,” Oliver recalled. “You remember those moments — the feeling, the people, the smell of the room. It’s all still there.”
As the Harry Potter franchise continues to captivate audiences worldwide, these behind-the-scenes stories offer a glimpse into the unique experiences that shaped the beloved series. Fans can catch the Phelps twins in action as they continue to celebrate the magic of the Wizarding World through their cooking adventures.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Harry Potter franchise and the latest episodes of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking. Share your memories of the films and let us know if you can relate to the Phelps brothers’ experiences!
