7ft tall Lydon lands ‘big’ role in latest Star Wars film - but is too short to be a wookie

A Lancashire giant is rumoured to have hit the big time by landing himself a part in the new Star Wars film.
7ft 1inch tall, Lydon Sutcliffe of Near Moss Farm, Cockerham7ft 1inch tall, Lydon Sutcliffe of Near Moss Farm, Cockerham
7ft 1inch tall, Lydon Sutcliffe of Near Moss Farm, Cockerham

Lydon Sutcliffe, 27, who lives in Cockerham, near Lancaster, is believed to have been cast in the upcoming Star Wars film.

Stars of the long awaited film have been sworn to secrecy and Lydon, who stands at 7ft 1ins in his bare feet, remained tight-lipped refusing to confirm or deny the rumours or give details about what role he will play in the movie.

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However, one thing is for sure, he didn’t get his first choice role in the film.

Harrison Ford as Han Solo with pal Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew)Harrison Ford as Han Solo with pal Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew)
Harrison Ford as Han Solo with pal Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew)

Lydon confessed he auditioned for the part of Chewbacca in the new Star Wars epic - but was rejected for being too short!

Lydon, who was 6ft 3ins by the age of 12, said: “For the first time in my life, I was told I was too short!

“Peter Mayhew, who originally played Chewbacca was 7ft 3ins tall so they were looking for someone who was at least as tall as him.

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“At 7ft 1ins, I just didn’t make the grade as I was a real shortie.”

Kenny Baker with R2-D2Kenny Baker with R2-D2
Kenny Baker with R2-D2

However, gossip has it that Lydon has scooped a different role in Star Wars: Episode VII.

This year was the first time in six years that Lydon, who studied sports turf management at Myerscough College, didn’t work as a groundsman at Wimbledon.

In previous years, Lydon has worked at Wimbledon looking after the tennis courts and making sure the grounds are in top condition. He also worked at the Olympics.

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However, this year, Lydon says he decided not to do Wimbledon as he is too busy with filming and extra work.

Of the filming and TV work he is allowed to talk about, Lydon told us he has played Death in a film called X at the Cannes Film Festival, played the part of Big Ant in Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and was on Deal Or No Deal where he scooped £7,100.

Lydon is also writing a book featuring comedy sketches on the funny side of being tall and is being filmed taking part in an eating challenge for a TV programme.

Lydon said: “I really enjoyed my years of working at Wimbledon and I did miss not being there this year.

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“However, I am just so busy with other stuff that I didn’t even have time to watch Wimbledon!

“I am really enjoying all the different kinds of work I am getting because of my height.

“I like using my body in any way I can ... apart from literally selling it!”