Fewer than three weeks after a 15,000 strong open casting session for the part of Luna Lovegood, 14-year-old unknown Evanna Lynch has been chosen for the role in the fifth Potter adventure - "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". Luna Lovegood, known also as Loony, is a decidedly odd student who befriends Harry.

Oscar nominee Imelda Staunton is finally confirmed to play new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Professor Umbridge, an insidious inquisitor character who's the main new addition to the cast. The part of Bellatrix Lestrange, an evil follower of Lord Voldemort, has gone to Helen McCrory ("Casanova", "Charlotte Gray").

Other casting announced by Warner Bros. today includes BBC's "Casualty" star Natalia Tena as Tonks, and Kathryn Hunter as Mrs Figg. Tonks is a shape shifting auror known for her wild hair colouring, whilst Mrs Figg is a Squib who lives near the Dursley house on Privet Drive and is a key player in an early scene where Harry is attacked by Dementors.