Ade Edmondson joins cast of Star Wars

British comic actor Ade Edmondson has joined the cast of Star Wars: Episode VIII.
Ade, who is best known for his slapstick role in ’80s British comedy TV series The Young Ones and ’90s show Bottom alongside the late Rik Mayall, is rumoured to have snagged a role in the blockbuster franchise.
The decision was thought to be influenced by former Star Wars director JJ Abrams who has a liking for “British talent”. While the new movie, due out next year is written and directed by Rian Johnson, it seems Abrams is still heavily involved in casting decisions.
“Ade is one of the most-loved comedy stars in the UK but even he would admit Star Wars is a surprise move for him,” an insider told British newspaper The Sun (04Apr16).
“Ade is starting to go back to his acting roots after doing a lot of reality TV recently and this is a huge deal for him.”
The 59 year old has so far kept his new role under-wraps and a spokesperson for the actor has refused to comment.
“His character is top secret, like everything else to do with the film and its plot. But given his old comedy characters, it would make sense for them to give him an eccentric part,” the source added.
The new movie will be the eighth instalment in the reboot of the franchise created by George Lucas, which sees lead character Rey, played by British actress Daisy Ridley, 23, continue her epic journey to save the galaxy from the “dark side”.
Ade, who is married to Absolutely Fabulous comedienne Jennifer Saunders, will be following in the footsteps of Simon Pegg, 46, who rose from the ranks of British TV comedy to become a Hollywood star with his breakthrough role in 2004’s Shaun of the Dead.
Simon also had a small role as Unkar Plutt in the most recent Star Wars film and was rumoured to be an unofficial adviser to its director JJ Abrams.