Hagrid joined us last night at the @UniversalORL press event for Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – R to L: Robbie Coltrane, Art Director Alan Gilmore and Senior VP Universal Creative Thierry Coup. https://t.co/teTZGSmMoX pic.twitter.com/WLfMZ19Y1P
— Blooloop (@Blooloop) March 12, 2019
Harry Potter star Robbie Coltrane has been pictured for the first time since using a wheelchair.
The 68-year-old, who played the beloved Rubeus Hagrid in the blockbuster franchise, battles with osteoarthritis which has left him in crippling pain and unable to walk. Robbie’s now awaiting knee surgery in America to repair his joint that will hopefully relieve the pain.
Fans were thrilled to see Robbie out and about on Monday night, when he attended the launch of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike ride in Universal Orlando, hosted at London’s St Pancras Renaissance Hotel.
Robbie appeared to be in good spirits and addressed his health battle, saying that he’s ‘due a new knee’. He added that once the surgery’s complete, he’ll be ‘leaping around like an elf’.
A source told The Sun of Robbie’s osteoarthritis ordeal: ‘Robbie has been in constant pain for years now, with his knee constantly deteriorating.
‘He was wheeled in and out of the Harry Potter event on Monday which came as a big shock to fans given they’re so used to seeing him standing strong and tall as Hagrid.’
So while I still can’t share details on the Hagrid coaster (12:30pm) I can say I was incredibly lucky to see the man himself, Robbie Coltrane! pic.twitter.com/RU5DCQHuxD
— Ryan Ogilvie (@ryanogs) March 12, 2019
They added: ‘It’s hugely frustrating for him but he’s really hoping to be back on his feet after getting the operation.’
In 2016, Robbie appeared in Channel 4 drama National Treasure not long after he was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and later opened up about the ailment.
At the time, the Scottish actor revealed he was in ‘constant pain all day’ and an exploratory operation found he had no cartilage left in one of his knees.
He explained: ‘It’s completely disintegrated. And they told me it’s osteoarthritis.
‘People are probably wondering why I’m hobbling about in the way I am and that is why.’
Got a showbiz story?
If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Daniel Radcliffe is far from Harry Potter as he rocks facial hair to play escaped prisoner
MORE: There’s a new range of Harry Potter books that have been adapted for people with dyslexia