Tom Felton reveals emotional connection to London street where Harry Potter journey began

Tom Felton has reflected on a sweet full-circle moment as the first flagship Harry Potter shop in the UK prepares to open its doors on London's Oxford Street.The actor, best known for playing Slytherin student Draco Malfoy in the blockbuster film franchise, revealed that the famous shopping street holds special childhood memories, having visited it with his mum while auditioning for the role that would change his life.Speaking to the Standard ahead of the store's opening on Wednesday, November 4, Felton said: "Oxford Street is a treasured place where my mum used to take me for auditions, including for Draco Malfoy 27 years ago.The actor is best known for playing Slytherin student Draco MalfoyHarry Potter store"One of the treats was walking up and down Oxford Street. “Arguably one of the greatest streets in the world and it's even more magical now we've got our own shop."The new store marks an exciting addition to the capital's shopping scene, giving fans the chance to step into the wizarding world without needing to board the Hogwarts Express.And Felton, 39, was certainly impressed by what he saw during his first look around.He said: "I don't know what I was expecting, but it was nothing quite as magical as this, excuse the pun."I think of it more of an experience than a shop, because just walking through there takes me back to many a childhood memory."Among his favourite attractions were the iconic Knight Bus and the Hogwarts bear ceremony, where visitors can discover which Hogwarts house their own cuddly companion belongs to.Harry Potter Shop, Oxford Street Felton was particularly pleased with his own result, revealing he had been sorted into Slytherin."The Hogwarts bear ceremony took my breath away for a bit, and I think I've got one of the first ones, so I'm very proud of him," he said.The actor also joked that, despite already having an extensive collection of Slytherin merchandise, there were still a few things he had his eye on."There's way more stuff that I need to add to my office. There's a few trinkets that I will be picking up this evening," he said.Harry Potter Shop, Oxford Street Asked what Draco himself would make a beeline for, Felton had a predictable answer."All the Slytherin swag, and there's plenty of it. From Quidditch gear to socks. I think anything Slytherin would be his first choice."Read MoreThere is also a nostalgic nod to the films inside the store, with a Nimbus 2001 broomstick on display. However, fans hoping to take one home might be disappointed."There's more people more excited about the wizarding world now than there ever has been”"I don't think it's for sale. I already asked," Felton joked.The actor, who is currently reprising his role as Draco in the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, also reflected on the franchise's enduring popularity as a new generation prepares to discover the wizarding world through the upcoming television adaptation.Felton officially started his Broadway run as Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed ChilHe said: "We all thought when we finished the films that the wizarding world, the fan flame might douse a bit, but clearly not."There's more people more excited about the wizarding world now than there ever has been."Felton also reflected on passing the wand to a new generation, with actor Lox Pratt set to take over the role of Draco Malfoy in the upcoming Harry Potter television series.The actor revealed he had already met the young star and been given a glimpse behind the scenes of the new adaptation, including a tour of its sets.Lox Pratt is taking over the role of Draco Malfoy in the upcoming Harry Potter TV seriesAidan Monaghan/HBO Max/PA WireHe added: "Very kindly, young Lox, charming young lad, he gave me a tour of the new sets and all the various different locations that they're going to be filming the new series on.Felton added: “He doesn't need any advice from me."I feel like it's actually quite similar to how Jason Isaacs, who played my dad in the films, was when I did it."He's not under my wing. He's flying perfectly well by himself, but he knows that I'm here if he ever needs anything."Felton added that he was excited for all the young actors taking on the roles in the new adaptation, describing it as passing on the baton, or, as he put it, "the wand, rather".