Peter Jackson (I)

Roald Dahl's Esio Trot review

Much criticism has been levelled at Peter Jackson over his decision to turn The Hobbit into three movies, with the final film running at around two minutes per page of the book. However, the book on which the 90-minute Esio Trot is based contains just 45 pages of text - only one of which doesn't contain any of Quentin Blake's marvellous illustrations. Consequently, it would probably be fairer to call the film Richard Curtis's Esio Trot, such is the amount of material that's been added for this adaptation.

The presence on Norton's sofa of those icons of innocent childhood, Peter Rabbit and Bilbo Baggins, is a startling juxtaposition. But Norton is full of surprises. Actually, it's not the rabbit himself who puts in an appearance, but actress Emma Thompson, who has written a sequel to Beatrix Potter's beloved story. Martin Freeman talks about his role as the hairy-toed hobbit in Peter Jackson's new film, and the recently re-formed Girls Aloud perform.

From the Friday vault: Hardware with Martin Freeman

Martin Freeman's stock is going through the roof these days given his brilliant performance in Sherlock and, what I'm already assuming is brilliant in the upcoming Peter Jackson fantasy epic, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, as Bilbo Baggins. Many were 'introduced' to Martin back in 2001 as Tim in Ricky Gervais' The Office. Post Office, Freeman starred in Hardware, a short-lived situation comedy set in Hamway's Hardware Store in London.

Billy Connolly joins The Hobbit

Peter Jackson has announced the latest addition to the cast of The Hobbit. It's Mr Billy Connolly...

Stephen Fry: 'Peter Jackson had me eating testicles'

Stephen Fry has said that he plays a "very gross figure" in Peter Jackson's upcoming Lord of the Rings prequel The Hobbit.

Audio: Stephen Fry on his Hobbit film role

Actor, writer and broadcaster, Stephen Fry, is to play Mayor of Laketown in The Lord of the Rings prequel Peter Jackson is currently shooting in New Zealand.

"It doesn't involve putting hair on my feet. At least, as far as I know," he told BBC Radio 5 live.

He told the BBC's Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo that he plays a corrupt, pompous official.

Fry described the character as being "somewhere between Mayor Quimby in The Simpsons...and Adam West in Family Guy."

10 classic John Sullivan comedy lines

Only Fools and Horses scriptwriter John Sullivan, who has died aged 64, had a deep-rooted love of the English language. His characters' catchphrases and words have had a lasting impact on British culture, with several entering the language. Here's a quick guide to 10 amongst his best-known...