“Cold Feet” actor James Nesbitt is the latest star to be cast in “The Hobbit”.

The Northern Irish star will play comical dwarf Bolfur in the “Lord of the Rings” prequel it has been announced by New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers and MGM.

Speaking about the new addition to the cast, director Peter Jackson said: "James's charm, warmth and wit are legendary as is his range as an actor in both comedic and dramatic roles. We feel very lucky to be able to welcome him as one of our cast."

Martin Freeman from the original UK version of “The Office” has been cast as Bilbo Baggins.

Last week it was confirmed that the latest film adaption of the JR Tolkien's novels will be made in two parts and be filmed on location in New Zealand.

The production of the film was in turmoil recently, due to labor laws in New Zealand, as rumors circulated that shooting would have to be relocated. However senior executives from Warner Brothers and New Line cinema have settled the dispute.

Andy Serkis, who will once again play Gollum said: "It's where it was meant to be and a lot of the people wanted to see those stories being made and told in that place and it would have been a shame to have done it anywhere else."

"The film industry in New Zealand has really burgeoned through that process of making Lord Of The Rings and Peter Jackson was very much at the front of that and everyone involved with the production would have been very upset to have seen it set anywhere else. So I'm thrilled, and relieved and delighted," he added.