Lord of the springs

Sir Ian McKellen will provide the voice of Zebedee in a film version of The Magic Roundabout.

08:04 19 August 2004

Sir Ian McKellen has agreed to provide the voice of Zebedee in the forthcoming Magic Roundabout movie.

The British actor, who most recently appeared as Gandalf the Grey in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, joins an all-star cast, which includes Jim Broadbent and Joanna Lumley.

Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue are also thought to have signed up for the movie.

The Magic Roundabout first appeared as a children's television show in the 1960s and has since acquired cult status.

Sir Ian's character, Zebedee, is the best-known character. Other old favourites including Dougal the Dog and Brian the Snail will also appear in the film.

The Magic Roundabout Movie will be released in the UK next year.