HOUSE of the Dragon viewers were left doing a double take when they spotted a 90s comedy star.
The hit Game Of Thrones spin-off stars huge names such Matt Smith, Rhys Ifans, Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke.
However, the new series features one huge 90’s name, which has left fans absolutely gobsmacked.
Actor James Dreyfus, 55, got his big break with a role in the legendary BBC show, Absolutely Fabulous, alongside Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley.
This was followed swiftly by his part as Constable Kevin Goody in The Thin Blue Line alongside Rowan Atkinson.
Arguably, his biggest role was the character of Tom Farrell in Gimme Gimme Gimme.
He starred alongside Kathy Burke as the gay flatmate of her character, who was named Linda.
Other high-profile appearances also included Holby City, Casualty, and a role in Richard Curtis’ Notting Hill.
However, fans of House Of The Dragon were left utterly shocked when he appeared in the HBO drama as Gormon Massey.
The character made his debut in the fourth episode of the second series if the hit fantasy programme as one of the members of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s (D’Arcy) council.
Viewers could not help but celebrate the surprise appearance of James as they took to social media in their droves.
Writing on X – formerly known as Twitter – one fan wrote: “The best part of @DreyfusJames being in the last House Of The Dragon episode is that it was a great episode filled with battles and real action. Perfect episode to make a screen debut.”
Another exclaimed: “I thought you hadn’t worked in a decade? Good for you! I would love to see more of you on my TV!”
“You’ve always made me laugh, you’re an on screen joy. But look at you now! Around the famous House of the Dragon war table! I nearly dropped my ciggie when I noticed,” stated a third viewer.
As a fourth user posted: “You don’t know how happy I was to see you on the telly again, bravo for your performance in House of Dragon! [clapping emojis].”
And a fifth added: “Loved seeing you in House of the Dragon earlier this week! I wasn’t expecting your appearance, so i literally did this,” alongside a GIF of Leonardo DiCaprio pointing at the screen in surprise.
A prequel to smash-hit fantasy series Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon premiered in August 2022. The show features an ensemble cast playing characters in the fictional setting of Westeros. Let's take a look at some of the famous faces in House of the Dragon.
Paddy Considine: Actor, director and screenwriter Paddy received the role of King Viserys I Targaryen in House of the Dragon and led the ensemble in sesason one. Paddy’s film credits include Hot Fuzz and The World’s End, while his other TV work ranges from Peaky Blinders, The Outsider and The Third Day. He is also known for his collaborations with director Shane Meadows.
Matt Smith: Matt became the youngest ever actor to play Doctor Who, when he nabbed the role as a 29-year-old in 2009. Now a few years removed from the beloved BBC show, he is now playing the unpredictable Prince Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon. Matt also starred as Prince Philip in The Crown, receiving a Primetime Emmy award nomination for his performance.
Olivia Cooke: From Oldham in Greater Manchester, Olivia Cooke has enjoyed success on both sides of the pond. She had a starring role as Emma Decody in Bates Motel from 2013 to 2017. Prior to starring as Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon, Olivia also appeared in period drama Vanity Fair and the sci-fi film Ready Player One, which was directed by Steven Spielberg.
Rhys Ifans: Before playing Ser Otto Hightower, Rhys Ifans was no stranger to blockbuster franchises. He’s played Xenophilius Lovegood in Harry Potter and Marvel Comics villain Dr Curt Connors/Lizard. He portrayed Mycroft Holmes in CBS series Elementary. Rhys also starred in films such as Notting Hill, Kevin & Perry Go Large and Enduring Love.
Emma D’Arcy: Before landing the role of Princess/Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, Emma had appeared as a main cast member in Wanderlust and Truth Seekers. Their film credits include 2020’s Misbehaviour opposite a cast including Keira Knightley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Greg Kinnear, Keeley Hawes, Jessie Buckley, Phyllis Logan and Lesley Manville.
