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BBC Breakfast has been slammed by viewers following an "awful" interview with Harry Potter star Tom Felton.

The 35-year-old actor, who famously played Draco Malfoy in the movie franchise, appeared on the red sofa to chat to hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay to promote his new book.

He opened up about writing his autobiography, Beyond the Wand, but conversation quickly turned to Harry Potter author JK Rowling, who continues to receive criticism over her beliefs on biological sex and gender.

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Sally said: "There is been a lot in the press recently hasn't there about J.K. Rowling and her views and how the cast have had to respond to that and react to that, how has that time been for you?

Tom replied: "To be honest with you, I'm a little bit out of the loop with the specifics but I'm constantly reminded and so lucky that Potter has brought together so many walks of life.

"Every country I've been to, everyone knows Potter so I'm quick to remind myself, and others, that she was the reason that continues to bring so many people together which is a wonderful thing."

When asked by Jon if he's worried about the potential backlash he could face by appearing to support J.K, Tom responded:"I try not to focus on anything that's negative and divisive really.

"I'm pro-discussion, pro-love and anything that doesn't fit in that category I don't have much time for."

Unhappy viewers at home rushed to their keyboards to discuss the interview, with some praising Tom on the way he handed the questions.

Taking to Twitter, one fan penned: "What stupid questioning from @sallynugent and @jonkay01 about Jk’s personal opinions and well done to @TomFelton for staying on the couch. If it was me and they asked that many times I think I would have walked away."

Another said: "Tom Felton did so well with answering the BBC questions about JK Rowling. The guys there talking about HIS book, not her controversial tweets."

A third person added: "Fair play to Tom Felton for swatting away @jonkay01's daft questions about @jk_rowling and "trans rights". @BBCBreakfast maybe need to review this line of questioning as part of your editorial guidelines."

While a fourth social media user said: "Wow if only @sallynugent and @jonkay01 would grill MPs as harshly as they did @TomFelton."

"#BBCBreakfast yet again I switched channels. You're awful interview with @TomFelton persisting on trying to get him to slate JKR. It's not news, or about why he was there. It's the media stirring the pot AGAIN!," someone else said.

In 2020, Rowling hit the headlines after she defended the concept of biological sex on Twitter.

The author reposted an article titled: "Creating a more equal post COVID-19 world for people who menstruate."

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She wrote in response, "People who menstruate. I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?"

Rowling continued to defend her position, writing: "If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction.

"If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth."

BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am

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