HARRY Potter actor Rupert Grint surprised thrillseeksers with a visit to Southend’s Adventure Island.

The flame-haired star, who plays Harry’s sidekick Ron Weasley in the blockbuster films, took a break from his movie schedule to go on some of the park’s top rides.

Rupert, 20, who has earned millions of pounds from the films, then signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans.

Customer service assistant George Bejko-Cowlbeck said: “I was working in the office at the time and just saw a glimpse of him walk by.

“We weren’t sure at the time it was definitely him, but then one of the staff members went up to him and asked him.

“He just seemed like a nice ordinary guy. We offered him some complimentary wristbands and he went on some of the main rides.

“He was more than happy to stop and sign autographs and pose for photographs. Once people knew it was him then word soon spread around the park.”

Rupert is currently filming the seventh and final film of the films, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow, based on the J K Rowling book.