Star Wars: Episode VII has added a pair of new names to its growing ensemble, with Crystal Clarke and Pip Anderson the latest to join the cast.

The two newcomers were both plucked from last November’s open auditions, which saw some 67,000 hopefuls try out for a spot in the forthcoming film.

“The Star Wars universe has always been about discovering and nurturing young talent,” says Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy, “and in casting Episode VII we wanted to remain absolutely faithful to this tradition.”

“We are delighted that so many travelled to see us at the open casting calls,” she continues, “and that we have been able to make Crystal and Pip a part of the film.”

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that filming on the project will take a two-week hiatus in August, in order to allow time for Harrison Ford to recuperate from the injury that saw him sustain a broken leg earlier in the year.

Directed by J.J. Abrams and co-starring Gwendoline Christie, Lupita Nyong’o and Adam Driver, Star Wars: Episode VII will open in the UK on 18 December 2015.