Cate Blanchett confirmed for The Hobbit

Cate Blanchett is to reprise the role of Galadriel the Lady of Lothlorien for the upcoming Lord of the Rings prequel The Hobbit.

The Australian actress will take on the role in Peter Jackson's two-film adaptation of the J R R Tolkien novel, starring alongside Ken Stott, Sylvester McCoy and Martin Freeman.

Jackson confirmed that the Robin Hood star would be returning to the franchise and said that he was "thrilled" to have her onboard.

"Cate is one of my favourite actors to work with, and I couldn't be more thrilled to have her reprise the role she so beautifully brought to life in the earlier films," he stated.

Last month, it was announced that Cold Feet actor James Nesbitt is also set to star in the film.

He will take on the role of the dwarf Bofur in the film, with Jackson stating that Nesbitt's "range as an actor in both comedic and dramatic roles" makes him a welcome addition to the movies.