Spall goes from strength to strength

Timothy Spall, who is best known for his roles in low-budget, British character-driven films, is gaining a high-profile in Hollywood through his appearances in three potential blockbusters.

The British-born actor, who starred in the Mike Leigh films Life Is Sweet, Secrets And Lies, Topsy-Turvy and All Or Nothing, will be seen next month as the translator for Tom Cruise's character in the big-budget epic The Last Samurai.

He also plays Pettigrew in Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban and he has just signed to star with Jim Carrey, Meryl Streep and Jude Law in Lemony Snicket, according to reports in Hollywood.

In Lemony Snicket he will portray Mr Poe, the ineffectual guardian of the three Baudelaire orphans who are the central characters of the film.

Director Brad Silberling is due to begin filming on Monday and Lemony Snicket is due for a Christmas release next year.