Scots actress Katie Leung is set to narrate a new podcast series for the BBC, delving into classic horror literature. Titled "The Haunted Library," the venture will bring well-known horror books to life through narration.
The series is scheduled to debut on September 21 with a reading of Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde." Leung will serve as a guest narrator alongside principal narrator Colin Morgan, who is known for his role in the television show "Merlin."
Leung, who gained international recognition at age 16 for her portrayal of Cho Chang, Harry Potter's first romantic interest in the film series, expressed her enthusiasm for the project. "There’s something irresistible about the idea of a mysterious library filled with stories that have frightened and fascinated readers for centuries," she stated. "I love the atmosphere of The Haunted Library, and the way it draws you into this strange, spooky world."
Lydia Shamah of BBC Studio Audio, the production company behind the series, highlighted the narrators' contributions, noting that their "exquisite narration perfectly captures the atmosphere of these classic tales." Shamah added that the selected stories are foundational to the horror genre in both literature and film.
Other titles slated for "The Haunted Library" include Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray," and H.G. Wells' "The Invisible Man." The series will also feature short stories by Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Leung, 39, has previously spoken about her experience with fame following her role in the Harry Potter franchise, describing it as a thrust into the limelight she was not prepared for at a young age due to her shy nature. Her acting credits also include a role as Lady Araminta Gun in the Netflix series "Bridgerton."