Harry Potter fans have been left surprised after discovering that one of the franchise’s most recognisable actors had a long-term relationship with a fellow cast member.
The romance lasted for nearly a decade and remained largely private. Many viewers only learned of it years after the relationship ended.
The revelation has renewed interest in the off-screen lives of the cast.
The Harry Potter series has maintained a vast global following since the first book was released in 1997.
While the films helped cement its popularity, the novels first captured readers’ imaginations.
Over the years, the franchise has also produced debates and revelations beyond the story itself. Some of those have come directly from author J.K. Rowling.
The actor was Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood, and she dated Robbie Jarvis for nine years. Jarvis appeared in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix as a younger version of James Potter.
The couple kept their relationship out of the spotlight for most of its duration. They confirmed it publicly in 2015, shortly before they later split.
Rowling has previously spoken about several creative regrets tied to the series. One of the most discussed involved Hermione Granger’s romantic ending.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Rowling said Hermione was originally meant to end up with Harry. She explained pairing Hermione with Ron was driven by emotional attachment to her original plot.
Rowling has also addressed fan anger over the death of Fred Weasley.
In 2015, she issued a public apology on X. “I’m really sorry about Fred,” she wrote. The post was widely shared by fans who still feel the loss of the character.
These moments have helped keep discussion around the series active.
Complicated relationships behind the scenes
Beyond fictional storylines, several real-life relationships among cast members have drawn attention.
Emma Thompson, who played Professor Sybill Trelawney, was once married to actor Kenneth Branagh. Branagh later appeared in the films as Gilderoy Lockhart.
Their marriage ended before his role in the franchise.
Thompson has since spoken candidly about the breakdown of that relationship. She revealed that infidelity played a role in their separation.
Branagh reportedly had affairs, including one with Helena Bonham Carter. Bonham Carter later portrayed Bellatrix Lestrange in the series.
Speaking to The New Yorker, Thompson said she had been unaware of the affairs at the time. “I was utterly, utterly blind,” she said. She explained the betrayal affected her sense of self-worth.
Thompson said she felt emotionally diminished during that period.
In a later interview with The Telegraph, Thompson said she had moved on. She explained that holding onto resentment was pointless.
She said she and Bonham Carter made peace years ago. Thompson described her former co-star as a “wonderful woman.”
Evanna Lynch and Robbie Jarvis speak after split
Lynch and Jarvis confirmed their relationship publicly in 2015. Not long after going public, the pair decided to separate.
Despite the breakup, both have said there was no animosity. Lynch later addressed their relationship during an interview with Us Weekly, via The Mirror.
She said they remained on good terms and often crossed paths. Lynch explained that both she and Jarvis are vegans.
She said they attend many of the same vegan events. Their shared values, she said, helped maintain their friendship.
“So yeah, we’re good friends,” Lynch said at the premiere of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Her comments suggested the separation was amicable.
The revelation surprised fans who believed they knew most details about the cast.
While Harry Potter told stories of connection and destiny on screen, real relationships unfolded quietly behind the scenes.
Some romances stayed hidden for years. Others ended but left no bitterness.
Together, they add another layer to the franchise’s lasting legacy.
Featured image credit: Warner Bros Entertainment
