Matthew Lewis finds it 'painful' to see himself as Neville Longbottom in 'Harry Potter'

Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis finds it difficult at times to see himself as Neville Longbottom in the film franchise.

Lewis, 31, played the awkward and clumsy young wizard for all eight films but now struggles to watch the scenes back due to similarities between himself and the character at points.

“I find it quite difficult when too much of me starts to come through in a character,” Lewis told The New York Times. “It’s easier when I can play someone completely different, like a police officer in London or someone who’s wealthy.”

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"At times it’s painful how much of me there is in Neville,” he went on. “When I’m watching, I’m like, ‘That’s not Neville; that’s you.’”

The final Harry Potter film was released in 2011, with Lewis continuing his acting career in TV, film and theatre.

His latest role is Hugh Hulton in the new adaption of All Creatures Great and Small, which aired on Channel 5 last year and is currently showing on PBS in the US.

The series has been renewed for a second season, with filming expected to take place this year.

Some of Lewis' other notable projects post-Potter include television roles in The Syndicate, Ripper Street and Happy Valley.

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Lewis' film credits include Me Before You, Terminal and Baby Done.

He’s also made some big steps personally as he married girlfriend Angela Jones, an event planner, in Italy back in 2018.

The pair had got engaged two years prior in 2016.

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