Harry Potter actor Michael Gambon was photographed on the set of the TV adaptation of J.K. Rowling's "The Casual Vacancy" as he began filming last Sunday.

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Based on the author's first bestselling adult novel in 2012, the fictional English village of Pagford with its market square and ancient abbey is being set in the town of Northleach in Cotswold.

Gambon replaced the late Richard Harris and played the role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the final six films of the Harry Potter movie franchise.

He was spotted looking unkempt and wearing a suit with a scruffy yellow tie. The actor plays the role of the Pagford delicatessen owner, Howard Mollison, while his character's wife Shirley Wilson is being played by Julia McKenzie. She was photographed on set while taking a walk with Hetty Banes, who plays Mo.

The Casual Vacancy is centered on a struggle for power within the council of the seemingly perfect town of Pagford which, behind its pretenses, is really a town at war.

Other cast members include Rufus Jones who was cast in the TV adaptation as Howard's son Miles while his wife is played by "Line of Duty" actress Keeley Hawes.

Rory Kinnear from "Penny Dreadul" plays the role of Barry Fairbrother, a member of the Pagford Parish Council, while "Appropriate Adult" star Monica Dolan has been cast as Tess Wall.

Keeley Forsyth of "Coronation Star" plays Terri Weedon, who was photographed while in a fight with her on-screen daughter Krystal Weedon, played by Abigail Lawrie, at a fruit and vegetable stand.

Filming first began at a school in Gloucestershire with which it was reported that the location team had been seeking for an institution in an older setting rather than in modern buildings.

Adapted by Sarah Phelps for television and directed by Jonny Campbell, production credits for "The Casual Vacancy" go to BBC One in collaboration with HBO.

TagsMichael Gambon, J.K. Rowling, Albus Dumbledore, A Casual Vacancy, Harry Potter, Julia McKenzie, BBC One, HBO