New Delhi, Aug. 24 -- Kit Harington is set to take on the role of Gilderoy Lockhart in the second season of HBO's Harry Potter series, replacing Nicholas Hoult, who reportedly exited the production because of scheduling conflicts.

The casting change brings Harington into one of the most prominent roles in the second instalment of the television adaptation, as Lockhart plays a central part in the story based on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

The role also marks a return to familiar territory for Harington. The actor recently voiced Lockhart in Audible's Harry Potter audiobooks, which were released late last year, giving him previous experience with the character before taking on the live-action version.

Lockhart is introduced ...