Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen will be the voice of Zebedee in the forthcoming film of cult children's programme The Magic Roundabout.

Sir Ian joins the list of stars who have previously been announced, including Joanne Lumley as Ermintrude, Bill Nighy as Dylan, and Kylie Minogue as Florence.

The new CGI film is being made by Pathe and is due for release early 2005. Whilst being based on the series, the film will also introduce new characters including one called Soldier Sam.