Former Doctor Who actor Matt Smith has apparently expressed his interest in a part in the new Harry Potter spin-off film.

According to The Sun, the 32-year old, best known for his role as the eleventh doctor in the Doctor Who series, is interested in playing ‘magizooligist’ Newt Scamander in J.K. Rowling’s screen adaption - set 80 years before we see Harry enter the wizarding world at Hogwarts.

Matt has been tipped for the role, with filming due to start this summer in London.

Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch is already thought to have turned down the part of Newt to play Hamlet on stage instead.

A petition to land Smith the part has already been started by Potter fans, who are keen to see him feature in the eagerly anticipated movie.

And it’s not just Matt that has been playing with magic recently; girlfriend Lily James plays the lead in Disney’s Cinderella, which is released in cinemas across the UK on Friday, March 27. What a magical relationship they have…