James & Oliver Phelps React to ‘Harry Potter’ TV Show’s New Fred & George Actors

A new pair of twins are about to follow in James and Oliver Phelps‘ mischievous footsteps on the small screen.

The actors, who famously portrayed Fred and George Weasley in the Harry Potter movies, are back as the hosts of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking. Season 3 of the Food Network competition show, which returned on November 4, celebrates 25 years of the original Harry Potter film, 2001’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Also premiering during the franchise’s anniversary year is HBO‘s Harry Potter television reboot, starring Dominic McLaughlin as the titular boy wizard. Joining Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger are Tristan and Gabriel Harland as the Weasley twins.

In an exclusive interview with TV Insider, the Phelps twins revealed that they reached out to the new Fred and George ahead of the show’s premiere. “We dropped them each an individual letter, just saying some experiences we’ve had over the years, and wishing them all the best with it,” Oliver shared. “And it was a very, very, very private message or note, but it was more a case of wishing them all the best with what they’re doing, which I know that a few of the other cast members from the films have done as well.”

He continued, “We just wish the best for those guys on their journey, because we were very lucky to have been able to play the characters for when we did.”

Aidan Monaghan/HBO

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone not only marked the beginning of the film series, but also the Phelps brothers’ film debuts. “I think just being able to see the joy it’s brought to so many people has been awesome. I think 25 years has gone by — they say it’s a lot — but it’s gone by so quickly,” Oliver said of celebrating the anniversary. “And the fact that we’re able to do it on the Wizards of Baking kitchen floor is really, really cool. And to be able to see people’s interpretations of certain elements from not just the first film, but from all the movies, and bring that to life in cake format is really awesome.”

Wizards of Baking follows teams of bakers and pastry chefs as they make magical, edible creations inspired by iconic characters and moments from the Harry Potter films. For Season 3, the returning competitors split into four teams of three, representing each Hogwarts house: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.

“In Episode 1, there’s Fluffy, the three-headed dog, there’s the Sorting Hat, there’s the Hogwarts Express, there’s the Dursleys’ chimney where all the letters keep shooting out,” James told TV Insider. “You see these things, and it just shows that any imagination, they can do it and turn it into all edible things.

James said his favorite creation of the entire series will be featured in the Season 3 finale. “It will be a moment which, I guarantee, people will be saying, ‘Have you seen this?’ Even if people haven’t seen the show before, it will make them want to go and see it, ’cause there’s something in that which is truly amazing,” he teased.

Food Network

Hosting a baking competition series, let alone a Harry Potter-themed one, is a role James said he and Oliver never expected to take on. “It was really exciting to hear it. Not just because, obviously, it’s so popular that we got to do Season 3, but just the way that it’s filmed,” he gushed. “We have such a great time doing it, knowing that a lot of the contestants — well, all of the contestants — we already have met them before and worked with them.”

James added, “I think it’s a feel-good show not just to watch, but to be in the production of, as well. It’s not hard to go to work with a smile.”

Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking Season 3, New Episodes, Wednesdays, 8/7c, Food Network and HBO Max

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Season 1 Premiere, December 25, HBO & HBO Max