A FORMER Harry Potter star and Oxford University Alumnus went back to his roots to join sportsmen at Brasenose College for an early morning row.

Actor Mark Williams, who played Arthur Weasley in the Harry Potter films, was put through his paces yesterday as he joined the Brasenose Rowing Club at St Edward's Boathouse, in Godstow, just before sunrise.

Mr Williams, who is currently playing the title role in Doctor Dolittle at the New Theatre Oxford, said he was thrilled to row the 2km stretch of the River Thames.

He said: "It was an ambition realised.

"Up before dawn with all those dedicated students, it was fantastic. I’ve always wanted to row in an eight and I got it.

"When it goes - blimey it goes. It’s like a sports car.

"Toughest thing for me was, I’ve got technique and know how to do, but the boat is so thin and goes from side to side. So trying to find right depth to put the oars was the challenge.

"After a while I think you just feel it, so you balance or compensate, where as I was trying to look for it, but I think I got there in the end."

The team's head coach Tim Grant added: "For someone who has never rowed before he picked it up tremendously quickly."

Mr Williams is starring with Vicky Entwistle and Brian Capron in Doctor Dolittle until January 26.

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