Bill Nighy confirms role as Rufus Scrimgeour

British actor Bill Nighy has confirmed to CBBC Newsround that he will indeed play Rufus Scrimgeour in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:

The 59-year-old, who once joked he was the “only British actor who hasn't been in Harry Potter”, told reporters of his new role at a book festival launch.

“I am in the next Harry Potter,” he told reporters.

“I will be Rufus Scrimgeour, who is the Minister of Magic and he is a very very important man.”

The news of Nighy's casting was initially confirmed by The Independent in the end of June, but at the time he did not reveal which character he was to play. Thanks to Snitch Seeker for the tip!