James Nesbitt, who I once handed a cup of Earl Grey tea to whilst working as a trainee AD on his series, Murphy's Law, has landed a major role in The Hobbit.
According Deadline.com, who broke the story, Nesbitt will play mate of Bilbo's, Bofur. Bilbo will of course be played by star of The Office, Martin Freeman, while that ginger dude from Eastenders - the one that always wears the vests - will also pop up in a pivotal role. It seems like the film will shoot in New Zealand after all, after a finicky dispute with unions that threatened to derail the production from continuing to film there - just like Lord of the Rings did.
With Jackson officially directing this time, and a cast being out in place, I think it'd be OK for everyone to start getting excited.
Follow Mike on Twitter