Meet Harry Potter's Magical New Mates
(November 17, 2005)
Source: News and Star

KATIE LEUNG. New girl Katie Leung beat 5,000 hopefuls to nab the role of Harry’s first love Cho Chang, so there were already plenty of people envious of the unknown 17-year-old from Scotland. But no one expected the hate campaign that began on the internet after news of her casting broke. Katie, however, is philosophical about the reaction. She says: “There are so many Harry Potter fans in the world, and so many perceptions of Cho that I don’t think you can satisfy everyone,” she says. “But I’m not sure how serious it all is. I’ve not seen any of that stuff or had to experience any negativity. It’s not affected me at all. If it was another girl in my position then I’d feel incredibly sorry for her, but it’s happened to me and it hasn’t affected me at all.”

Like her co-star Stan, the story of Katie becoming Cho also has its fairytale qualities. She went to the initial audition in London after her Dad saw an advert on television and they both decided it would be a good excuse for a trip to the capital. Even when she got the part, Katie still didn’t take it that seriously.

“When my Mum called and told me, I was sleeping and I was like, ‘Whatever, call me back’,” she laughs. “When I eventually woke up I had to call her back to make sure I hadn’t been dreaming.”

Much has been made of Katie playing Harry Potter’s first love and rather than be embarrassed by all the attention playing Cho has generated, the young actress is revelling in it.

“It’s great,” she laughs. “The scenes where Harry is gazing at Cho from afar, they were really fun scenes to film. Dan had to give me this look and Cho sees Harry looking and gives him a look back. He then thinks he’s got a chance,” Katie grins.

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