The man behind Dame Edna Everage will need to lose the sparkly glasses and pink wig for his new role in The Hobbit.

Sir Peter Jackson this morning announced two new cast members would be joining the production team in its second block of shooting.

Barry Humphries, the man behind Dame Edna Everage, will play the Goblin King. Sir Peter this morning likened his upcoming portrayal of the role to the way Andy Serkis created Gollum. "Barry is also a fine actor, and we're looking forward to seeing him invest the Goblin King with the delicate sensitivity and emotional depth this character deserves."

Evangeline Lilly, from the hit drama Lost will take up the role of a new character, Tuariel, a woodland elf. "Her name means 'daughter of Mirkwood' and, beyond that, we must leave you guessing!" Sir Peter told fans on his Facebook page.

The crew have now finished their first block of shooting and are scouting locations before the second block starts.

The announcement of the two newest cast members, along with the news that Welsh actor Luke Evans will play Bard and Benedict Cumberbatch will play Smaug, means most of the major roles have now been filled.