THE grandson of Doctor Who star Patrick Troughton says he would love to follow in his footsteps and become the next Time Lord.

Harry Melling, now 26, has already found fame in the Harry Potter films as Dudley Dursley, Harry’s cousin who makes the boy wizard’s life a misery.
But now he says he would love to become the 13th Doctor, 50 years after Troughton played the second Time Lord.

His grandfather died before he was born, but it seems Harry has inherited the family’s acting talent.
He is starring in acclaimed West End show Hand To God at The Vaudeville Theatre until mid-June.

He played Dudley from the age of 10, making his final appearance in the first part of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows in 2010.
“Harry Potter was a great experience and the cast have kept in touch,” he said.

As he grew older, he lost so much puppy fat that he ended up having to wear a fat suit to play the character of Dudley.

Producers even considered recasting the role because of his new trim shape. But it turned out to be blessing in disguise.

“I was able to shed the whole child actor thing and start a new career, because no one sees me as Dudley,” he explained.
“I was a chubby kid who went to drama school at 18 and lost weight. It was down to growing up, a new routine, a new environment, lots of movement and taking care of my body.

“Harry Potter was a lifetime ago. I was 10 in the first film. So much has happened since then.”

His latest play features Texas teenagers using glove puppets to spread the gospel. “I was scared by Hand Of God but in the end I felt comfortable enough to do it.
My parents came to watch and loved it. They all come from an acting family.”

He continued: “I would love to be the next new Doctor.
“I am not the person in charge of that but I would love to keep it in the family.
“It probably won’t happen as I might need to be a bit older. I’ve really enjoyed doing theatre but getting Doctor Who in the family again would be great.”