HE has starred in blockbuster franchises such as Star Wars and Harry Potter.And next week the famous Hollywood actor Warwick Davis will be joining fans in Beccles for a talk and book signing of his new autobiography Size Matters Not.

HE has starred in blockbuster franchises such as Star Wars and Harry Potter.

And next week the famous Hollywood actor Warwick Davis will be joining fans in Beccles for a talk and book signing of his new autobiography Size Matters Not.

Mr Davis has so far enjoyed an incredible career, landing his first role at the age of 11 as the lead Ewok in Return of the Jedi. He also played the lead role in the '80s fantasy film Willow, and plays Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter films.

His new book tells his life story so far and is packed with tales from the many film sets he has worked on. “It's about me, from when I was young then life as someone who's shorter than average,” he told The Journal. “I thought it would be an interesting and inspirational story to tell. A lot of funny things happen to me, I wanted people to see what my life is like. I like to think of it as inspirational and something that's funny.”

The event has been organised by Kulture Shock, based in Blyburgate, and will take place at the King's Head next Friday. Mr Davis will be giving a presentation, showing films that have never before been released, including Return of the Ewok which Mr Davis made in 1981 when Return of the Jedi was being shot.

His film career has also included roles in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Labyrinth and The Leprechaun, and he appeared as Yoda in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.

“I've been very proud of all my work,” he said. “Return of the Jedi was the film that gave me the career I have. I'm proud of Willow, it was the first major role when I wasn't hidden behind a mask, and Harry Potter is such a tremendous thing to be a part of. Only when writing the book I realised how lucky I have been.”

Mr Davis appeared on the comedy show Extras, written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, and he will shortly be working with them again on a BBC pilot comedy entitled Life's Too Short.

He will play himself in the lead role, with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant also playing themselves. “I had a little idea for something, me playing myself and the comedy that surrounds me because I'm so short,” he explained. “I sent them the DVD to get feedback, and they left me a message to the effect of, we absolutely love this idea, what do you want to do with it? I was absolutely flabbergasted!”

Mr Davis has never before been to Beccles, although he said he was aware of the town as a boy. “I'm from East Anglia so knew of it years ago,” he said. “I used to race radio controlled cars and I knew Beccles had a buggy club, it was one of the top venues.”

The talk starts at 6.30pm and will include a question and answer session and photo opportunities. Tickets are �4, or you can purchase Size Matters Not from Kulture Shock for �9.99 and get two tickets free. Telephone 01502 712922 to book.