With all the speculation about who would be directing Star Wars Episode VII, who would star in it, and what the story would be about, no one really considered where it would be shot. As it turns out, a string of tax benefits mean the next instalment of the legendary sci fi franchise will be make in the leafy suburbs of the English capital.

British Chancellor, George Osborne let his followers know the news on Twitter, posting: "Just confirmed: the next Star Wars film will be made in UK. Great news for our creative industries. May the force be with us … ". He added, in an official statement, "Today's announcement that the next Star Wars film will be shot and produced in the UK is great news for fans and our creative industries, and it is clear evidence that our incentives are attracting the largest studios back to the UK"I am personally committed to seeing more great films and television made in Britain." Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy – now owned by Disney - said: "We've devoted serious time and attention to revisiting the origins of Star Wars as inspiration for our process on the new movie, and I'm thrilled that returning to the UK for production and utilising the incredible talent there can be a part of that."

JJ AbramsAbrams has been entrusted with a sci fi gem

The film’s director, J.J Abrams, has already managed to breath life into a tired Star Trek franchise; his two films have gone down well with the critics and core fan-base alike. Whether he can do the same with the Star Wars brand remains to be seen, but the signs are looking good.