<em>Star Wars Episode</em> VIII to be filmed at Pinewood Studios

Los Angeles - Star Wars Episode VIII will be filmed at Pinewood Studios in the UK.

The news - which comes just a week after filming on Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens wrapped at the studio in Buckinghamshire, South East England - has been confirmed by Pinewood CEO Ivan Dunleavy, who said that the iconic franchise will be returning during a CBI Conference.

He said: "I'm delighted to be able to tell you that a new Star Wars movie is already booked in."

All of the existing Star Wars movies have featured some UK production, including JJ Abrams's much-anticipated Episode VII: The Force Awakens.

Last month, meanwhile, it was confirmed that Warwick Davis is to appear in Star Wars Episode VII.

The 44-year-old actor will star alongside returning actors Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher as well as new faces John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Oscar Isaac.

Warwick - who also portrayed Wicket in two TV spin-off movies The Ewok Adventure and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor - appeared in prequel Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens will open in December 2015, while Star Wars: Episode VIII will be released in 2017.