Gambon lands Potter film role

Sir Michael Gambon will play Professor Albus Dumbledore in the next Harry Potter film, it was announced today.

He will replace actor Richard Harris, who died in October, after playing Dumbledore in the first two films.

Gary Oldman, Timothy Spall and The Fast Show star Paul Whitehouse will also join the cast of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which begins shooting next week.