Daniel Radcliffe braved torrential rain and hail at the world premiere of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" in London's Leicester Square last night.

The 19-year-old star spent an hour signing autographs for some of the 3,000 screaming fans who had been camping next to the red carpet for more than 24 hours.

Emma Watson wants to disappear. The "Harry Potter" actress is hoping to lead a quiet life and blend into the background when she begins her studies at Columbia University in September.

She said: "I'm so excited. Living in London, it's hard to be anonymous. But hopefully, on some campus somewhere, I'll fade into the background a bit."

Emma Watson is considering giving up acting. The "Harry Potter" star - who plays brainbox Hermione Granger in the hit movie franchise - would be willing to axe her film career if she can't find other fulfilling roles.

She told America's Teen Vogue magazine: "I don't have a burning passion for acting."

Michael Jackson has invited stars of the "Harry Potter" films to the opening night of his "This Is It" shows. The three main stars from the wizard franchise - Daniel Radcliffe, 19, Emma Watson, 18, and Rupert Grint, 20 - have reportedly been offered access all areas passes for the start of Michael's "This Is It" farewell residency at London's O2 arena on July 8.

A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Michael is a huge fan of the 'Harry Potter' books and films."

Daniel Radcliffe has been voted most valuable young star. The "Harry Potter" actor topped a poll based on the Forbes Star Currency list, which measures individuals' on both their body or work and bankability.

Daniel, 19, beat a host of well-known names to the coveted top spot with "Hannah Montana" actress-and-singer Miley Cyrus, 16, coming second and "Secret Life Of Bees" star Dakota Fanning, 15, claiming third spot.