Emma Watson 'intimidated' by Potter creator Rowling

Harry Potter star Emma Watson has admitted she is in awe of the achievements of author JK Rowling.

The 19-year-old, who reprises her role as Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the latest instalment in the wizarding franchise, revealed she and Rowling are in regular email contact.

But she added: "I must admit I still feel quite intimidated by her".

"Not because she is actually intimidating, but because I admire her so much, and we have all been such mad fans of the books and her and everything," Watson told the Los Angeles Times.

The young actress' character in the magical series is partly based on Rowling's own childhood and Watson confirmed a compulsion to impress the writer.

"I just really want her to like me," she explained. "I was always really keen to telling her how I feel, and maybe it's a bit much. She is so down to earth and funny and witty... I definitely see Hermione in her. She's genuine and brilliant."

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is released on July 15th.