Phelps twins share to Pinoy Potterheads the magic of new bake-off series

Metro Manila, Philippines — “Harry Potter” alumni James and Oliver Phelps shared to Filipino Potterheads the kitchen magic they witnessed in the new competition series, “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking.”

James said they were “very lucky” to host the show, where nine pairs of professional bakers showed culinary expertise in battling their “Harry Potter” inspired treats.

James, who played Fred Weasley in the Wizarding World franchise, said the list of bakers included a Filipino.

“Every week is whittled down to the ‘Wizards of Baking’ and find out who it is,” James said in a media event in Taguig City on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

“They are shooting on the actual sets that we filmed on in Universal Studios in London. It’s the first time a series has been filmed in those locations,” he added.

Oliver, who played twin brother George in the movies, said they would go up to the contestants and also try the treats.

“One of the bakers is actually a molecular gastronomist, a chef scientist,” Oliver said. “She made literally in front of our eyes this caramel mango which literally melts in your mouth. It was absolutely out of this world.”

He also said the baked goods were “big showpieces” inspired by the “Harry Potter” sets. “You see the originality of it and [they bring] a whole new dimension to it,” the actor said.

The main Harry Potter film series ended in 2011 but they said going back to the Wizarding World was easy for them.

Aside from keeping in touch with fellow actors in the film franchise, Oliver also shared how “Harry Potter” magic transcends into real life.

“A couple of weeks ago, my daughter, who is seven years old, went to a friend of hers in school — she had a birthday party. So I took her to the party not knowing it was a Harry Potter-themed birthday party,” Oliver said.

“I just sat there trying to be invisible while there’s me, at 14 years old there, and the kids are like: ‘Is that your dad with a really squeaky voice and awful hair?’ So yeah, probably we will start watching them (Harry Potter films) soon again with the family.”

The twins visited the Philippines for the first time as they led the launching of streaming service Max in the country. They said they ate chicken adobo with rice for lunch.

“We’ve been made to feel so welcomed and we know that the Potter fan base is huge here so thanks very much for that,” James said.

Potterheads can watch the “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” series on Max.